Today we have our own organization. There are 33 of us who are determined, through a modern, innovative and realistic approach to social services, to find the joy of being employed once more, regaining the position of active actors in the society and, through our activities, creating jobs not only for the members of Association "Together Together", but also for other women in a similar position. I am certain that CDF will remain our base and our sanctuary whenever we face any new challenges on our path."

"On October 10, 2006 at 3:55 A.M. there was a series of strong detonations. One local televison station interrupted their regular program and on the blank screen broadcast the information: “In the army compound in Paracin there have been several strong explosions. We expect the report from our team on the spot." After several minutes the reporter from Paracin was directly engaged in the program, announcing that the explosions did not happen within the army camp, but on the other side of the hill. A new heading on the TV screen stated that the explosions occured in Paracin. Contradictory news were spreading panic and fear among the citizens.

Having had the recent opportunity to particpate at the training held by Center for Democracy Foundation on the topic of public relations, which also covered public relations management in crisis situations, I called the editor of the local TV station and briefly clarified the situation. Subsequently, the public information was rephrased into: "In the military complex nearby Paracin, a series of detonations has occured. We expect the report from our crew that is on the location".

At that particular moment it was the most accurate and the least upsetting information that calmed down the citizens. The skills I acquired participating in the training program Management in Misdemeanor Courts will undoubtedly improve my work; the very first opportunity I had to put them into practice was completely unexpected and many people benefited from my knewly adopted knowledge."

"School for Civil Society Politeia introduced me to the subject that I am, even at present moment, determined to work on, i.e. the development and strengthening of the non-profit sector in Serbia, as well as in the whole region. During and after the completion of my studies, I continued my engagement in several local non-governmental organizations, the Youth Agency under the Ministry for Education and Sport of the Republic of Serbia, and the Youth Program of the European Commission, while at present I work as the Executive Director of the Balkan Children and Youth Foundation.

My determination to work in the non-profit sector still derives from the long gone days in 1998 when I participated at the 5th course of the School and, for the very first time, acquired complete information on what civil society means and how important it is for the achievement of the ideals of a just, equal and democratic society all over the world, and especially in our local environment."

"As an economics graduate from Nis and a member of the expert network for assistance to the citizens of Serbia, and after numerous trainings and seminars in the field of campaigning, media appearances and presentation skills, I applied for the first course of the School for Social and Political Leadership Perikles held in November 2002 in Novi Becej.

At Perikles I had the opportunity to hear "live words" from lecturers for whom I have exceptional professional and personal respect, as well as to meet and socialize with agile young people with extraordinary optimism, positive energy and the readiness to change things in Serbia.

In the meantime, I was granted a scholarship from the French government and had the opportunity to complete my MA at the Center for European Studies in Nancy, where I acquired remarkable international academic and professional experience. But I never had a dilemma: the return to Serbia was certain. Yet another certain thing was my participation at the new cycle of Perikles held in Belgrade 2005, intended for the most active participants from the previous 6 courses. Refocusing on the issues of the adoption of the Constitution of Serbia and socio-economic and cultural consequences of the transition were the contemporary issues we covered.

At present, I work in Belgrade as a Project Manager in the Southeastern headquarters of the French investment company Anson Partners. I am also active in the political party G17Plus, in the Committee for Finance and Economy. In addition, I am one of the founders and a member of the Management Board of the Association of French Graduates in Serbia. Nowdays, I am preparing my doctor's thesis and actively participate in public debates on the necessity of Serbia's accession to European Union."

Towards Regional Planning of Development in the Region of Uzice

An unexpected output of this project, and the best proof of the participants’ level of satisfaction with the quality of this program, was the initiative of a group of local municipal assembly members to start a strategic planning process in the Zlatibor region. CDF strongly supported the idea and engaged additional consultants in order to further elaborate the framework for this activity. In addition, out of the total number of councils who participated in the program, an initial Working Group was formed consisting of 10 councils. Several meetings with them were held in January and February of 2006 with the aim of defining the priorities and goals. CDF will act as the facilitator on the strategic planning process by applying the participatory methods as all contemporary approaches in planning.