ACTIVITIES IN 2008.

January

DESA has started  the strategic planning process already in november 2007 and has successfully continued with organizing  workshops on strategic planning. The  workshop was held from january 16th to 18th at DESA's premises. The members of DESA worked together and gave their vision of DESA. Working out the strategic plan for DESA is planned to be done by June 2008.

0n January 29th DESA organized the presentation of the project „Awareness campaign on importance and necessity of voluntary work“ for all its partners and medie. Through the activities of this project we shall support the authentic values of voluntary work. Through medie, workshops, public presentations, lectures and speaker's platforms, we shall also, implement the awareness campaign on necessities of voluntary work and its values.

DESA took part at the round table „Women's position at labour market“ that was held on January 30th. The round table was organized by the Board for gender equality of Dubrovnik-neretva county. This year has been dedicated to Mr. Andrija Stampar, but it also denotes the 20th anniversary of Healthy cities in Croatia. All counties and Croatian network of Helathy cities have made the manifestation program for the whole year to be held in cities and counties.

February

Delegation of the Marche Region, lead by Mrs. Marina Maurizi, the head of Department for international co-operation of Marche Region, was in working visit in Dubrovnik. The county –prefect of Dubrovnik-neretva County  Mrs. Mira Buconic,  Mr. Ivo Karamatic, the vice county- prefect with associates  had a working meeting with delegation of Mrche Region concerning possible co-operation in the international program „Centre for responsible tourism of Adriatic region“, which has been implemented by DESA-Dubrovnik  at the territory of Dubrovnik-neretva county.The guidelines of the future co-operation were defined at this meeting, as well as preparations for the outline of the Agreement on co-operation of Marche Region and Dubrovnik-neretva county. This meeting was attended by representatives of COSPE, Firenze, Se.A. Ancona and DESA-Dubrovnik too. Within the implementation of its international projects, DESA-Dubrovnik initiated this meeting and future co-operation.

DESA –Dubrovnik organized a working meeting with the issues of possible co-operationa and definition of possible partnerships, for the implementation of the international program „Center for responsible tourism of Adriatic region“. The meeting was held in a small City Hall on February 07th at 11:00 a.m. and it was attended by representatives of COSPE, Firenze, Marche Region, Se.A. Ancona, DESA-Dubrovnik, the City of Dubrovnik,  Dubrovnik-neretva county and other future partners of this program (DCP, DUNEA, Chamber of trade, Chamber of commerce etc.)

DESA's representative took part at the round table „Family and health“ that was held on February 27th, within the action  „ Connected with health“, implemented by the network of healthy cities, in which also participates Dubrovnik-neretva county. The organizer of this round table was Centre for Family of Dubrovnik-neretva county, in co-operation with the City and County administration, Institute of Public health, DESA-Dubrovnik and association „Naša djeca“.

Meeting of the representatives of: Dubrovnik-neretva county, the City of Dubrovnik, the Chamber of trade, Chamber of commerce, regional developmental agency DUNEA, DESA-Dubrovnik and Marche Region, took place on February 28th at the premises of Dubrovnik – neretva county.The aims, activities and expected results of the three years programme for stimulation of the small entrepreneurship on the basis of sustainable development, were presented at this meeting, as well as the experiences od our Italian partners. On the same day, the meeting of the University of Dubrovnik and Universities from Marche Region, took place at the University of Dubrovnik. This meeting was organized for the purposes of possible co-operation. It has been agreed upon organizing a raound table on the topic „Opportunities for creation joint brand in tourism“ that will take place at the University of Dubrovnik.

Within the project“ The awareness campaign on necessity and importance of voluntary work“ have been planned workshops with teachers as well. The first one was held at the primary school Gruda on February 28th, and it was attended by 15 teachers. This workshop comprised of the introduction to the voluntary work and teaching methodology.

On February 27th, DESA-Dubrovnik organized the workshop on the importance and necessity of voluntary work at the primary school Cavtat. The pupils from 2nd and 3rd grade attended this workshop acompanied with their teachers. After the lecture on voluntary work, they were working out the presents for the protegees of the institution "Marijin dom“ in Cavtat, which takes care of elderly sick people.

DESA-Dubrovnik organized the workshop on voluntary work at the primary school „Marin Geatldic in Dubrovnik on February 26th. The importance and necessity of voluntary work was demonstrated to the pupils, and afterwards, they were making out decorations and cards for the inhabitants of the old folks' home „Domus Christi“.

Delegation of the Marche Region, lead by Mrs. Marina Maurizi, the head of Department for international co-operation of Marche Region, was in working visit in Dubrovnik. The county –prefect of Dubrovnik-neretva County  Mrs. Mira Buconic,  Mr. Ivo Karamatic, the vice county- prefect with associates  had a working meeting with delegation of Mrche Region concerning possible co-operation in the international program „Centre for responsible tourism of Adriatic region“, which has been implemented by DESA-Dubrovnik  at the territory of Dubrovnik-neretva county.The guidelines of the future co-operation were defined at this meeting, as well as preparations for the outline of the Agreement on co-operation of Marche Region and Dubrovnik-neretva county. This meeting was attended by representatives of COSPE, Firenze, Se.A. Ancona and DESA-Dubrovnik too. Within the implementation of its international projects, DESA-Dubrovnik initiated this meeting and future co-operation

March

Mrs Jany Hansal took part at the AMAMO conference on rural touris, that was held on March 20th at Mali Ston. Mrs. Hansal gave a presentation of DESA's project „Center for responsible  tourism of Adriatic region“. The AMAMO Conference has benn organized within the project AMAMO (over seas and mountains) that has implemented by Dubrovnik-neretva county in partnership with Italian regions and Croatian counties.

From March 14th the City of Dubrovnik organized the Easter Fair. DESA took part at this Fair with the products of educational workshops from the project “Economic empowerment of women”, as well as the products of DESA’s Easter workshops. This fair has been organized at Green Market and will be open till Easter.

 DESA's traditional Easter workshops on palm knitting and egg painting, were organized from March 12th to 21st at DESA's premises. Under the expert supervision of the workshop teachers, numerous kids from kindergartens and pupils from elementary and secondary schools have acquired these traditional skills.

 Within the implementation of the project „The awareness campaign on necessity and importance of voluntary work in comunity“, financed by the National Foundation fo civil society development and the City of Dubrovnik, DESA's members with the pupils from the elementary school „Marin Getaldic“ paid a visit to „Domus Christi“ the institution for elderly people on March 12th. On this occassion, pupils gave presents (decorated eggs and greeting cards) to the protegees of Domus Christi“, and they also performed a short play and occasional recitations. The presents given to the protegees of Domus Christi were made at workshops on voluntary work. During the previous several months, these workshops were organized by DESA-Dubrovnik in co-operation with elementary school „Marin Getaldic“.

 DESA - Dubrovnik organized traditional program in order to denote the International Women's Day. In spite of bad weather conditions, over 100 women gathered at DESA's premises, and enjoyed the festive programe. This event was attended by the representatives of the most influential political parties, as well as the representatives of the local authorities.

 On March 4th DESA started with its regular educational program „Educational program for women and youth“ , financed by the Ministry of science, education and sports and the City of Dubrovnik. The educational program comprises of: foreign language courses ( English, Italian, German, French and Spanish), informatic courses, sewing and tayloring courses, patchwork workshops and weaving courses. DESA's educational programs are very popular and numerous people are interested in. Each year app. 450 persons attend our educational course.

April

DESA'S representative took part at the 1st International Fair of Innovations of new ideas of technologies and products in agriculture and food industry AGROARCA, that was held from April 18th to April 20th in Slatina. The Fair was organized by Croatian association of innovator and Viroviticko-podravska County. DESA-Dubrovnik presented its auotchtonous products, such as a jam made of sour oranges, made at the workshops within DESA's educational programes. For its presentation DESA was awarded with the Medallion for contribution in realization of the project AGROARCA 2008 (silver medal). DESA was also awarded with the leeter of thanks for its special contribution in organization of the International Fair AGROARCA 2008.

On April 16th DESA begins with the training for the agents of local development. This training has been organized within the implementation of the project „The Centre for Responsible Tourism of the Adriatic Region“, which DESA has been implementing in co-operation with COSPE, Firenze. This project is financed by the Italian Ministry of foreign affairs. The lectures will take place at the premises of the University of Dubrovnik. 16 candidates applied for this training, mostly young graduated managers in tourism and economics.

The first Fair of jobs took place on April 9th at the University of Dubrovnik. The Fair was organized by Croatian Employment Agency, Branch office Dubrovnik in partnership with: Croatian chamber of economics, Croatian chamber of trade, Dubrovnik centre for entrepreneurship, Regional development agency DUNEA, University of Dubrovnik and Desa-Dubrovnik. During the Fair DESA presented its educational programs for unemployed persons, the possibilities of scholarships, as well as education program within the project“The centre for responsible tourism of Adriatic region“

The 5th Mediterranean Fair of Healthy food and medicinal herbs took place from April 2nd to April 6th 2008 in Dubrovnik. The organizer of the Fair was the association „Dubrovnik-healthy city“ and co-organizers were: Croatian Chamber of commerce – Dubrovnik, Chamber of trade, Dubrovnik-neretva county, The City of Dubrovnik, DEŠA-Dubrovnik, Tourist Board, and the Croatian Institute for public health. The Fair was held at the premises of Hotel Tirena, „Valamar Hotels“. DESA-Dubrovnik organized daily workshops on weaving, palm knitting, embroidery and egg-painting.

May 2008

DESA - Dubrovnik and association "Dubrovnik orange" represented on the Festival Gloria 1001 delicacy in Split on May 30th and 31st  a jam made of sour oranges from Dubrovnik region. The jam is made of sour oranges by the 100 years old receipt, with analysis and expert survey of PTF Osijek. Dubrovnik sour orange is an authentic plant and its jam is authentic ecologic product which is made of natural ingredients, with no additives or preservatives. Oranges were present in Dubrovnik area since ancient times.

DESA - Dubrovnik organized a lecture on „Volunteering, partnership and civil society at the community“, that was held on May 26th in the City Hall. The lecturer was prof.dr.sc. Gojko Bezovan.

The lecture is the part of the project “Awareness campaign on necessity and importance of voluntary work and partnership in the local community“. DESA has been implementing this project with financial support of the National foundation for civil society development and the City of Dubrovnik.

The members of DOMINE – the association for civil society development and promotion of women's rights visited DESA. During their visit on May 25th, they were shooting a clip on initiatives in women's entrepreneurship.

DESA's representatives took part at the „Fair of Health“ that was held in Dubrovnik on May 24th. The Fair was organized by Croatian Network of healthy towns and the City of Dubrovnik. It was organized within the denotation of the Month of personal health (the month of May). The associations and business sector from Dubrovnik, that are dealing with the promotion of healthy life were presented at the stalls. With the support of its volunteers at the stall, DESA presented its activities and spread information to all people who were interested in its current projects.

The famous American writer, screen-writer and activist, Mrs. Eve Ensler, visited Dubrovnik from May 23rd to 26th. Mrs. Ensler is the author of the famous book „Vagina's monologues“ and she is the most meritorious person for „V-day“ – the global campaign against the violence against women. On May 25th, Mrs. Ensler visited DESA's premises. DESA's members organized casual consorting with Mrs. Ensler. The great number of our fellow citizens came to DESA's premises and they spent the evening with Mrs. Ensler, enjoying the music of the vocal group Fortuna.

June 2008

In cooperation with Woman's Global Leadership Initiative (WGLI), DEŠA organized a workshop about a woman and her role in leadership. The lecturers were mrs. Diana Ruiz and mrs. Ruth Browning, representatives of WGLI from USA. The target of this workshop is a prmotion of development and progress of women and their role in leadership in Croatia, which will affect positively on their community.

DESA - Slano denoted the 7th anniversary. At the beginning of May the members of DESA Slano set up an exhibition at the Franciscan monastery in Slano, presenting their achievements, especially in renewal of the embroidery from Dubrovacko primorje. On the May 21st, the Day of the Municipality Dubrovacko primorje, Mrs. Marija Veltruski, the leading member of DESA-Slano was awarded with the prize for life achievement, for her lifelong care for environment and her contribution to preservation of cultural heritage and old customs from Dubrovacko primorje.

Within the implementation of the project „Centre for responsible tourism of Adriatic region“, after the education organized in Dubrovnik, the best four participants went to specific education in Italy. From May 18th to 25th the participants were in Marche Region, and they also visited „Terra Futura“, the fair in Florence. The main objective of this education was to train young people for agents of local development.

DESA presented its „Jam made of sour oranges from Dubrovnik region“ at the 4th Central European Congress and 6th Croatian Congress of food technologists, biotechnologists and nutritionists that were held from May 15th – 19th, at the hotel Croatia in Cavtat. Central European Congress on food (CEFood) is one of the regular Central European Congresses, the most important events in the field of Food, Technology, Nutrition and Health. The main purpose of this Congress was to provide a multidisciplinary forum in the fields of food science and technology, human nutrition and biotechnological applications in food production.

From May 9th to May 10th DESA - Dubrovnik organized a final workshop on strategic planning. With this workshop DESA has concluded the process which has already started in November 2007. Through several workshops, all stakeholders closely connected to DESA gave actively their contribution, and in a short period of time it will result with DESA's strategic plan. The strategic plan is a document of an utmost significance for future work and development of DESA.

On the occasion of the European week, for the second year in a row, Delegation of the European Commission in Croatia in co-operation with the Ministry of foreign affairs and European integrations, have organized the project „EU BUS“, which started its tour through nine  Croatian cities in Dubrovnik.

With festive cultural program, there was the exhibition of the traditional products from Neretva, Korčula, Pelješac, Dubrovacko – primorje, Dubrovnik and Konavle. DESA - Dubrovnik took part at this exhibition organizing workshops on traditional crafts: weaving embroidery, palm knitting. DESA's members were dressed in traditional costumes from Dubrovnik region.
The main objective of the project EU BUS is to inform the public concerning the European Union, its values and politics, as well as closer approach to the European ideas. The project has been based upon direct approach to the citizens in order to hear their opinions and suggestions concerning the processes of European integrations and accompanying changes.

July 2008

 DEŠA participated on a conference "Stimulations for innovative entrepreneurship in Dubrovnik region" which was held in Mali Ston on July 16th. On the conference was presented the Technological and Business - innovative centre for mariculture MARBIC, which will pursue investigations and promotions of new technologies and support small and medium entrepreneurs in the mariculture domain.

DEŠA participated in Dubrovnik on July 15th, on the presentation of the program "Social inclusion" and "Small municipal infrastructure" within the Project of social and economic revival of the territories with a special state welfare of Republic of Croatia, which was organized by County unit for coordination of PSGO for Dubrovnik - neretva region.

On July 5 th was held the 3rd Croatia summit in Dubrovnik, which gathered high officials from about 30 European and North American countries. The spouse of prime minister of Hungary, Klara Dobrev, visited DEŠA accompanied with Dubrovnik major Dubravka Šuica. The president of the association Jany Hansal presented DEŠA's place, working team and DEŠA's work exhibition.

August 2008

The contracts between the Ministry of tourism and users of state grants from the Dubrovnik-neretva county for the programmes of the Ministry : „Heritage in tourism“, „Thematic paths“ and „ The authentic souvenir“, were signed on August 19th in Dubrovnik. Within the implemetation of the programme „The authentic souvenir“ DESA –Dubrovnik was given the financial support for the project „Re-designed embroidery from the Island of Mljet“.

October 2008

DESA - Dubrovnik organized the round table „Sustainable development and responsible tourism in my community“, that was held on October 12th in Mali Ston. The round table was attended by the representatives of Tourist Board Ston, Municipality of Ston, representatives of the small agricultural economies, agricultural co-operative Putnikovic, representatives of Salt-pan Ston, and other craftsmen and farmers from Ston surroundings. The representatives of DESA - Dubrovnik presented the project „Centre for responsible toruism of Adriatic region“. All participants of round table worked out joint SWOT analysis of the present state of their municipality. DESA's Italian partner, Mr. Gianni Gravina from NGO COSPE, Florence, also participated at this round table.

The European Foundation Centre (EFC) and the National Foundation for Civil Society Development organized  the Grantmakers East Forum, a forum of grantmakers active in Central and Eastern Europe and in former Soviet Union states, which took place on 8th -10 th October 2008 in Dubrovnik. The Forum was dealing with the topics on: sustainable development, culture, social inclusion and philantropy. On October 11th some of the Forum participants visited DESA's premises in Lazareti.

The First national conference of grant makers and donors was held on October 6th and 7th in Dubrovnik, and it was organized by the National Foundation for civil society development. DESA-Dubrovnik took active part in organization of this conference. On October 6th DESA hosted about 100 conference participants at DESA's premises in Lazareti.

Second Croatian Festival of Jams and Marmalades was held at Placa, in front of Saint Blaise's church, on October 4th and 5th 2008. in Dubrovnik. The Festival was organized by DESA-Dubrovnik and „Dubrovacka naranca“ the association for promotion, cultivation, protection and production of sour orange. Twenty exibitiors from al over the Croatia participated at this Festival, presenting their products to the visitors. During the Festival the exibitors were dressed in the national costumes of their regions.

September 2008

DESA - Dubrovnik participated at the 6th Dubrovnik' Historic Festival, organized by the renaissance association Ragvesvm and City of Dubrovnik Turist Board. The Festival was held from September 25th to 28th.

DEŠA - Dubrovnik organized a lecture on the topic „Fund – raising skills“ on September 24th 2008, at the premises of ACMT (American College of Management and Technology). The lecturer was Mrs. Bonie B. Helms, consultant for management and fund-raising. Mrs Helms presented guidelines on fund-raising skills intended for financial support of non-profit organizations and creation of funds.

The president of Women's Forum of SDP, Mrs Mirjana Feric – Vac, with her associates and Mrs. Olga Murati, paid friendly visit to DESA on September 20th.

The pupils from Primary school „Marin Getaldic“ visited DESA's workshop of silk painting on September 19th.

On September 18th DESA – Dubrovnik denoted its 15th anniversary. The manifestation took place at DESA's premises in Lazareti, and there were present the representatives of Dubrovnik-neretva County, City of Dubrovnik, numerous institutions, DESA's members and other invited persons. Mrs. Jany Hansal greeted the guests, and gave a speech on the past years and DESA's achievements.

In co-operation with the Association "The thread of friendship" and association "Pure silk" from France, DESA organized a workshop on silk painting in its premises, from September 15th to September 20th. The instructors were Mrs Marie – Marthe Dufaud and Danielle Feyssat from the association „Pure silk“. The participants acquired new techniques such as: cold wax painting, shibori, water colours etc.

The representatives of Libertas Foundation, San Pedro, California, handed over 11 scholarships to the pupils from secondary schools for crafts located in Dubrovnik – neretva county, for the school  year 2007/2008. They handed over the scholarships (total 11.000,00 USD) in the name of the Foundation of „Ante and Evelyn Mrgudic“ This event took place at DESA’s premises  on September 15th. This was the sixth year in a row that Libertas Foundation has given support to the pupils from secondary schools for crafts from Dubrovnik-neretva county. Scholarships were given to the future cooks, plumbers, sellers, hairdressers and stone-cutters from Metković, Župa Dubrovačka, Pelješac, Dubrovačko primorje and Konavle.

On the basis of the call for proposals, the Ministry of Tourism - Republic of Croatia  decided to co-finance 11 projects with the grants intended for the projects in tourism with previously approved financial funds from pre-access EU and other international funds. The estimated funds are assigned as an insurance for  the obligatory co-financing part form the applicant. The main goal of these grants is to arise competitiveness of the entire tourims in Croatia, and finally the Croatian economy as well. DESA – Dubrovnik has been approved for the grant from the Ministry of Tourism, for the implementation of the part of the project „The centre for Responsible tourism of the Adriatic Region“.

DESA - Dubrovnik participated at the 6th Dubrovnik' Historic Festival, organized by the renaissance association Ragvesvm and City of Dubrovnik Turist Board. The Festival was held from September 25th to 28th.