BILD - Bosnia Initiatives for Local Development
empowerment prosperity
While the flood waters have receded, it will take the city of Doboj years to recover from the May 2014 floods.
When the flood occurred, private donors contributed thousands of dollars enabling BILD to be one of the very first organizations to arrive with help. Using BILD’s Land Rover jeep, we arrived two days before the main roads were opened. Relatively small donations were able to make a significant difference.
For example, the only functioning clinic had only one tongue depressor, no gloves and no disinfectant when we arrived. Daily, BILD delivered supplies to the clinic based upon the previous day's request. We also brought potable water and one of the most frequently sought items: diapers for both babies and the elderly.
Once the larger organizations arrived, we turned to volunteer actions clearing mud and helping the city get back to a sense of normal. Private donations enabled us to buy tools and bring buses of volunteers into the city to help. During the floods, cities that were once on opposite sides during the war reached out to each other to help. Volunteers from all of Doboj’s neighboring cities came to help.
Now, BILD is focusing on job creation especially through information technology. The city of Doboj permanently lost businesses that hundreds of citizens depended upon for their livelihood. While some factory jobs have returned, the fastest way to high value job creation is through information technology.
video footage of our volunteers helping remove mud after the May 2014 floods
video footage of our getting emergency supplies through to Doboj during the floods
The website www.helpdoboj.org is no longer active, however, donations can still be made here.