UWC Mostar Project Week Booklet 2024-2025
UWC Mostar Project Week Booklet 2024-2025
BOOKLET
Welcome to UWC Mostar Project Week 2024!
We hope that you are as excited about Project Week as all the
past generations of UWC Mostar. In just a few weeks, you will
step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to be
better.
Prior to this week, there are some practical aspects that need to
be sorted out. In this document, you will find instructions,
information about project week expectations, and detailed
descriptions of all the project weeks.
Read this booklet carefully, make your choices, and if you have
any questions regarding the information in this document or
about the project week in general, please do not hesitate to
contact us.
ALL STUDENTS
Read the document and choose your Project Week
PW STUDENT LEADERS
Code of Conduct
The UWC Mostar Code of Conduct applies during the
Project Weeks. Your supervisor might agree on different
check-in times. If a student breaks the Code of Conduct,
the disciplinary procedure will follow. In some cases, you
might also be requested to leave your Project Week.
Challenge Yourself
We expect your full participation in the project week.
This is the week when you should let go of all other
responsibilities, and engage in the project that you were
assigned. It is also the time for you to turn off your mind
and take a break from your regular responsibilities.
NOTE: Reaching out to the supervisor or student leader will not guarantee you a
spot. Student leaders and supervisors have no impact over the project week
assignments.
STIRRUPS&BROOMS
Student Leaders: Feyza Halil, Ilaria Teberneac, Sofia Čulina
Supervisor: Ivona Sušac-Bagarić
Mostar(Goranci): Monday to Friday
Participants: 7
Tags: Farm work ■ Horses ■ Nature
The main aim of this project week is to provide participants with a transformative experience
in horseback riding and farm life. At Goranci Konjicki Klub you'll immerse yourself in daily
riding lessons, horse care workshops, and farm service activities. This week is perfect for both
novices wanting to overcome their fears and experienced riders looking to refine their skills.
You’ll learn riding techniques, horse grooming, feeding, and sustainable farming practices, all
under professional guidance. Do not forget that you’ll do some real physical farm work!
The main aim of this project week is to engage participants in environmental conservation
efforts while fostering teamwork and community spirit. We will partner with the Eco
association "Majski Cvijet," which will provide necessary cleaning equipment such as trash
bags, gloves, and trash picks. Participants will be divided into teams to clean various sides of
the river, focusing on areas around bridges and riverbanks. Daily cleaning sessions will be
interspersed with breaks to allow participants to explore the area and enjoy the natural
surroundings. As the week progresses, different sections of the river will be tackled, ensuring
a comprehensive clean-up effort. This project week aims to leave a lasting positive impact on
the local environment and inspire continued community engagement in ecological
preservation.
THRIFT FLIP
Student Leaders: Lamija Karačić, Sally Lu
Supervisor: Sanja Pandža
Mostar: Monday to Friday
Participants: 8
Tags: Fashion ■ Sustainability ■ Recycle ■ Creativity
The main aim of the "Thrift Flip" project is to encourage self-reliance, initiative, and
resourcefulness through upcycling, promoting sustainability and awareness about the fashion
industry's impact. By exploring thrift stores, the project highlights the environmental
significance of repurposing items rather than contributing to fast fashion waste. This initiative
promotes mindful consumerism and helps participants integrate these practices into their
daily lives. It aims to foster a mindset shift towards conscious consumption and the value of
sustainable alternatives, aligning with UWC’s vision of creating a sustainable future through
tangible action. It is preferable for individuals with crafting skills to apply, but it does not mean
that everybody who would love to learn new skills can not apply.
The main aim of this project week is to enable each participant's creativity to be discovered
and expressed through the craft of photography. Participants will explore various
photographic techniques, including candid shots, still lifes, landscapes, and portraits, using
both mobile phones and conventional cameras. They will also experience film photography
with disposable cameras and enhance their skills by practicing exposure and camera settings.
Throughout the week, participants will learn to improve their photos using editing programs
like Adobe Lightroom and Snapseed. By the end, they will create their own photoshoots, with
selected photos published in the school newspaper and a hard copy album preserving their
work. This project fosters creativity, communication, and a collaborative atmosphere,
allowing participants to master new skills and express personal narratives through
photography.
CROCHETING AND COOKING IN THE WOODS
Student Leaders: Maksym Vytrykush, Maria Paula Mora
Supervisor: Josipa Gotovac
Herzegovina (Ruište Mountain): Monday to Thursday
Participants: 10
Tags: Be creative ■ Retreat ■Waterproof shoes and jacket ■ Nature
The main aim of this project is to disconnect from the hectic urban life filled with stress and
slow down to be able to appreciate nature and oneself. The participants will spend the project
week in a remote area in Ruište. While surrounded by beautiful nature and the scenic
backdrop, you will partake in activities such as knitting, crocheting, cooking, hiking, and
stargazing. You will use these activities to reflect on the value of these underappreciated
activities for our daily busy lives and taste the benefits of living remotely. This is a great
opportunity for everyone who wishes to take a break from the fast-paced daily life in our
societies and learn how to slow down and decrease the amount of stress in their lives.
DRUGSMITHS
Student Leaders: Eve Resian, Sushovan Shakya
Supervisor: Amina Čolaković
Mountains: Monday to Thursday
Participants: 7
Tags: Chemistry ■ Science ■ Experiments
The main aim of this project week is to provide aspiring doctors and pharmaceutical
specialists with a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and practical experiments. In
collaboration with experts, students will conduct experiments to gain firsthand lab experience
and understand the science behind various reactions. Supervised by university faculty,
students will learn drug synthesis and analysis techniques, gaining professional insight and
ensuring safety. The final day involves shadowing university students or analyzing experiment
results under the guidance of experienced professionals. This project aims to deepen
students' understanding of chemical processes, foster connections among participants, and
cultivate a shared enthusiasm for chemistry and medicine, potentially building professional
networks.
HIKING
Student Leaders: Benedikt Patočka, Charlotte van der Linden,
Mackinley Mallard
Supervisor: Emil Špago
Mountains: Monday to Friday
Participants: 10
Tags: HIGH stamina (physically active students) ■ Hiking experience ■ Huts
The main aim of this project is to challenge one’s physical capabilities by completing several
daily hikes through rough terrain during 5-days of the project week. You will hike some stages
of the famous Via Dinarica trail. Depending on the weather, you will conquer peaks such as
Kamenac, Jezerce, Zelena Glava, Otis, Botini, and many others. You will carry all your stuff
and food in your backpacks, and sleep in mountain huts (get ready for outhouses and no
shower). After you complete your hikes, you will also have to cook your food. Yet, this project
week will test not only your physical prowess but also your mental resilience. You will need
perseverance, patience, and the ability to enjoy silence to do well. Such hiking offers
opportunities to appreciate local nature and hiking culture, connect with oneself through the
challenge, and bond with a small group of people.
Note: the route is subject to change depending on the weather. If there is enough interest in
hiking PWs, another option might be added.
The main aim of this project week is to show middle schoolers that math and physics can be
fun and interesting. Participants will partner with small middle schools around Mostar to
engage 4th to 9th-grade students in exciting experiments and games. Activities include
physics experiments like the color wheel spinner and balloon car and math games like math
baseball and scavenger hunts. By building and conducting these experiments, participants aim
to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for these subjects. This project not only enhances students'
learning experiences but also helps participants develop patience, teaching skills, empathy,
and critical thinking. It promotes equality by ensuring all activities are accessible to everyone,
regardless of their math and physics skills.
CENTRAL BOSNIAN ADVENTURE
Student Leaders: Ali Hadžić, Mats Quinten van Houwelingen
Supervisors: Parth Patel
The main aim of this project week in Travnik is to promote team building, cultural exploration,
and sustainable development. Participants will engage in activities like hiking on Vlašić
mountain, tasting local food, and collaborating with a prominent NGO, the youth education
center, to address youth advocacy, education, and the prevention of underage substance use
and alcoholism. The itinerary includes exploring the mountain's ecosystem, discussing
sustainable development, visiting significant religious and historical landmarks, and learning
about the area's Olympic history and conflict during the 1990s. Students will also visit the
house of Nobel prize winner Ivo Andrić and interact with local students. This project aligns
with UWC Mostar’s mission of building bridges between cultures and promoting cooperation
in post-conflict situations. By collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds,
participants will gain insights into improving their communities and fostering sustainable
futures, while also enjoying a varied and meaningful schedule of events.
MONEY FORUM
Student Leader: Gabriel Abreu, Elías Haig
Supervisor: Mauricio Calderon Castro
Mostar Monday to Friday
Participants: 6
Tags: Economy ■ Finances■ Responsibility
The main aim of this project week is to promote financial literacy and economic understanding
among local students, which is vital for individual financial responsibility and broader societal
development. Workshops on personal finances and structural economics will be conducted in
local schools, allowing students to learn and share their knowledge about finances. This
initiative aims to integrate Mostar’s local youth with students interested in Economics,
fostering a healthier financial future for the community. Driven by a passion for Economics
and the belief in its potential to drive development, this project seeks to instigate economic
learning, improve communication skills, and promote financial responsibility. Additionally, it
aims to enhance public speaking abilities and introduce students to a vital field of study. This
project aligns with UWC’s mission of fostering social change and building connections with
the local community, encouraging a healthier financial life for the future.
NATURE NURTURERS: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
IN NEŠTO VIŠE
Student Leaders: Anna Cairo, Aeon Alcruz
Supervisor: Irena Ivezić
The project week focuses on organic farming and sustainability at Nešto Više, a non-profit-run
farm in Humilišani near Ruište. Students will volunteer for the week, engaging in cooking,
cleaning, maintenance work, and vegetable cultivation. They will also explore the natural
surroundings through nature trips and hikes. The farm serves as a model for sustainability,
where students will learn about water recycling, organic farming, and other sustainable
practices. This project provides hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, fostering
teamwork and community bonding. By collaborating with a local organization, students will
contribute to the community and gain insights into permaculture and sustainability, aligning
with UWC’s mission of promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Through physical labor and communal activities, students will experience the benefits of
sustainable living and develop a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation.
The main aim of this project is to develop basic debate skills in an official competitive format,
providing participants with essential skills applicable in various contexts. The project focuses
on promoting critical thinking, tolerance, and empathy by encouraging engagement with
diverse opinions. It enhances analytical skills, evidence evaluation, and teamwork, while also
helping participants overcome stage fright and communicate effectively. The project is
flexible in terms of time and space requirements, needing only a few rooms with basic
furniture. The project aims to foster understanding and respect across cultures, aligning with
the UWC mission, and making it a valuable and impactful project.
BOB THE BUILDER: SCHOOL MAKEOVER EDITION
Student Leaders: Rich Kang, Momka Nagai, Dnilo Šušić
Supervisor: Elmir Čatrnja
Mostar: Monday to Friday
Participants: 7
Tags: Construction work ■ Schools ■ Local community
The main aim of this project week is to cooperate with local schools by being a supportive
partner. While you design the project on Monday, you will end up doing some hard work
during the rest of the week. You might end up painting walls, organizing the library,
refurbishing the courtyard, or doing something else that the local school needs. The whole
project will be designed in cooperation with local students and their teachers. This project
week should help you understand how to better cooperate with local communities and deliver
a sustained increase in the quality of their lives. Most importantly, you will also have a chance
to meet students from local Mostar schools, understand their local experience, and make
stronger connections to the community. This project is a great opportunity for students who
wish to contribute to the local community and leave something tangible behind even after
their graduation.
The main aim of this project is to develop basic debate skills in an official competitive format,
providing participants with essential skills applicable in academic, professional, and personal
contexts. The week will include lectures and seminars on debate skills such as analysis,
evidence usage, logical reasoning, and rhetoric, along with practice debates. A mini-
tournament will be held at the end, open to the school and potentially the wider community.
The project is flexible in terms of time and space requirements. This project is important as it
promotes critical thinking, tolerance, and effective communication, which are crucial in
today's polarized world. It aligns with UWC's mission of promoting cultural exchange and
cooperation in post-conflict situations.
YOGA AND MINDFUL LIVING IN THE WOODS
Student Leaders: Yasmina Usmanova
Supervisor: Darya Davidouskaya
The project week will take place in Rujište, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, standing as a testament to the exquisite beauty and profound heritage that
graces the region. It will be a great way of exploring new parts of BiH. This will be a very
physically challenging PW as it will involve advanced yoga styles and some previous
experience with yoga and flexibility. However, it will be open for beginners who are open to
challenging themselves. Every day will consist of waking up early and mindful practice of yin
yoga. Later we will cook healthy meals and try to discover more about healthy and nourishing
food. Later during the day, we will practice more intense and physically challenging types of
yoga as Vinyasa flows such as ashtanga, power yoga, and prana. Lunch and dinner will also be
cooked together to promote and explore more deeply ways of communal living. After dinner,
we will practice Iyengar yoga which focuses on alignment as well as detailed and precise
movements. Thus, this time will be spent on reflection and searching for inner peace.
The main aim of this project is to provide students with an immersive experience, exploring
Bosnia and Herzegovina's historical and natural landmarks, fostering cultural exchange, and
building friendships with local students. Through workshops and interactions with
Gymnasium and Art School students, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the
country's diverse cultures and challenges. This project not only enriches the UWC experience
for international students but also benefits the local community by promoting cross-cultural
dialogue and understanding. By engaging with different cultural backgrounds, students can
develop new perspectives and ideas, contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic
worldview. This initiative aligns with UWC's mission of creating a more peaceful and
sustainable future by promoting diversity, understanding, and cooperation.
NATURAL COSMETIC
Student Leaders: Selma Vinković, Arnaud Mugema
Supervisors: Adisa Maslo-Hadžiomerović
Mostar: Monday to Friday
Participants: 6
Tags: Cosmetics ■ Organic ■ Bio products
The main aim of this project week is to introduce students to the art of creating natural
cosmetics. Students will have the opportunity to make organic and bio cosmetics using
beeswax, various essential oils, and other natural ingredients. They will learn the methods and
processes involved in crafting cosmetics from nature's bounty, gaining hands-on experience in
formulating products such as lip balms, and soaps. This project fosters an understanding of
sustainable practices and the benefits of using natural materials in everyday personal care
products. It's important for students as it promotes environmental consciousness and self-
sufficiency in their daily lives.
This project aims to engage students in the city in an educational and interactive initiative
focused on plant identification and recognition of native plant species. By encouraging
students to take photos of plants in various areas, the project seeks to promote
environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, and an understanding of the importance
of native plants. You will be encouraged to explore different areas of the city, such as parks,
gardens to capture photos of plants. The photographs will serve as the basis for plant
identification and species recognition.
CAMPFIRE CHRONICLES- CAMPING AND SURVIVAL
SKILLS
Student Leaders: Dimitra Stogia, Juliette Bos
Supervisors: Damir Ugljen
Drežnica: Monday to Friday
Participants: 8
Tags: Camping ■ Cooperation ■ Nature
The main aim of this project is to reconnect with nature and learn basic survival skills while
fostering community bonding and cultural exchange. Students will camp at Drežnica, a
campsite 12 km from Mostar. Over four days, they will engage in activities such as making
fires, building shelters, filtering water, and using a compass. Evening campfires will provide
opportunities to share stories and songs from their cultures, and they will cook traditional
meals on an open fire or stove. The experience aims to produce a survival guide containing
learned skills, personal stories, and traditional recipes. This project encourages respect for
nature, strengthens community bonds, and promotes experiential learning. This project week
is promoting diversity, cooperation, and environmental sustainability.
The main aim of this project is to explore the Bosnian Valley of the Pyramids in Visoko and
evaluate the value of this controversial archeological site. In 2005, Dr. Semir Osmanagić
proposed that several hill formations above the city of Visoko are pyramids built by an ancient
civilization, potentially making them the largest human-built structures on Earth. Discovered
tunnels beneath the site indicate human involvement. Participants will visit these sites, attend
a lecture, and volunteer at the site, helping with tunnel excavation and material analysis. In a
world of alternative facts and multiple versions of truth, this project aims to explore these
claims critically. You will conduct your own research into the topic and discuss your findings
with the group. The project encourages exploring alternative sources of information,
questioning how we obtain knowledge, and delineating the line between facts and pseudo-
facts. Ideal for those interested in volunteering, pyramids, archeology, alternative history,
natural sciences, humanities, and Theory of Knowledge, this project also offers a chance to
explore Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, for those interested, there are spiritualism
aspects involved.
LOS ROSALES
Student Leaders: Jaz Zacks
Supervisor: Saša Šantić, Ivana Pehar
The main aim of this project week is to create a nicer space for the kids with special needs at
the Los Rosales Center. Last year we painted the fence in front of the center and this year
we’ll finish the work by painting the wall on the driveway and creating a more colorful
environment for the kids with special needs.
Ideally, this project week will lead to the development of further projects or external
volunteering. Participants should be comfortable working with people in the lead, have good
communication skills, and be passionate about the cause.
Exploring Mostar's geological past, condition of soil, air and water, flora and fauna. This PW
aims to look at the ecosystems of Mostar in a holistic manner to analyze the environment and
become familiar with the characteristics of our city. Project week aims to develop student's
analytical skills and to obtain new skills like map making, secondary data research in
geomorphology, human geography, the study of atmosphere, pedology, freshwater biology,
and GIS. The outcome of the project week would be a visual with photos and information from
the field. This project week is for students who are interested in exploring their second home
in more detail through the lens of systems thinking and multiple sciences.
COMMUNITY MURAL PROJECT
Student Leaders: Alan Dale
Supervisor: Enes Žuljević, Alexandra Tulji
Mostar: Monday to Thursday
Participants: 10
Tags: Local school ■ Art ■ Communion
The Community Mural Project is a collaborative initiative aimed at transforming the exterior
walls of the local school into vibrant and colorful art. This project will involve students from
the local school and their teacher and we’ll together paint a mural that reflects the values and
diversity of the community. This mural will remain a symbol of creativity and togetherness
and will at the same time create a more joyful space for students of the local school.
This project week will be exploratory with a creative product. It is thematically focused on the
women's heritage of Mostar, and the main idea is to research lesser-known women
throughout history. The result of the project can be a small publication, an exhibition, a
podcast, maybe even a short documentary, and you can collect material through visits to
museums, galleries, interviews…
ALEKSA SANTIC SHORT DOCUMENTARY PRODUCTION
Student Leaders:
Supervisor: Tanja Čvoro; International School of Belgrade
Mostar: Monday to Friday
Participants: 5
Tags: Film making ■ Documentary ■ IB Collaboration ■ Aleksa Šantić
The main aim of this Project Week is to produce a short documentary on Aleksa Šantić, a
renowned poet from Mostar, highlighting his life, work, and lasting impact on Balkan
literature and culture. In collaboration with the International School of Belgrade, students
from both schools will research, script, film, and edit the documentary. This cross-cultural
project provides students with the opportunity to develop practical skills in documentary
filmmaking while gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s literary heritage. The final
documentary will be screened locally in Mostar, with potential submissions to regional
student film festivals. Through this partnership, students will build international connections,
showcase their creative talents, and contribute to the preservation of Aleksa Šantić’s legacy,
celebrating the shared cultural history of the Balkans.
The main aim of this Project Week is to engage students in hiking and nature exploration,
fostering environmental awareness, physical activity, and teamwork. In collaboration with an
IB school from Belgrade, students will participate in guided hikes around Mostar, exploring
local ecosystems and learning about biodiversity and conservation. They will practice
essential outdoor skills like map reading, trail navigation, and survival techniques while
working together across cultures. This partnership encourages physical well-being and cross-
cultural teamwork as students collaborate to navigate trails and tackle outdoor challenges.
The project will conclude with a reflection session where participants from both schools share
their experiences and insights. By the end, students will have developed outdoor skills, built
international connections, and deepened their appreciation for the environment, fostering
leadership, teamwork, and a sense of environmental stewardship.
MORE INFO
The co-curricular Handbook has a section on Project Week.