INCREASED SUPPORT FOR RED CROSS AND PROMOTION OF VOLUNTEERING AMONG YOUTH

PALE, JUNE 4 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Health and Social Welfare Minister Alen Šeranić has stated today in Pale that the Red Cross of Republika Srpska is an important partner of the government in providing assistance to socially vulnerable categories of the population, stressing the need to further strengthen its capacities and develop programs of importance to citizens.

After a meeting with the leadership of the Red Cross of Republika Srpska, Šeranić said that the line ministry continuously supports the organization through an annual grant provided by the Government of Republika Srpska for the implementation of program activities. "There is a need to further expand and improve the activities of the Red Cross. We agreed that human resources should be strengthened first and certain programs developed, and the Ministry will support their further expansion across Republika Srpska," Šeranić told reporters. He particularly highlighted the importance of assistance programs for elderly people, including caregiver services, home-based support and the distribution of social packages to the most vulnerable categories. According to him, the Red Cross network is constantly present in the field and has the best insight into the needs of the population in local communities, enabling assistance to reach those who need it most. Speaking about future activities, Šeranić emphasized that one of the priorities is the promotion of volunteerism among young people. "Volunteerism is the foundation of the Red Cross' work. It is important to develop empathy, responsibility and active participation in community life among young people. That is why the Government of Republika Srpska strongly supports programs that encourage youth involvement in the work of the Red Cross," Šeranić said. He added that local Red Cross organizations play an important role in communities, and that rejuvenating their membership and involving new volunteers is particularly important. "The Red Cross should be recognized as an important partner of local communities. Examples of good cooperation, such as in Prnjavor, show how joint work between local governments and the Red Cross can contribute to better support for citizens," Šeranić noted. He also stressed the significance of the Red Cross at the international level through its participation in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Secretary General of the Red Cross of Republika Srpska Rajko Lazić thanked the Minister and the Government for the decision to allocate BAM 2.5 million to ensure uninterrupted operations, strengthen capacities and implement program activities. Lazić said the organization strives to be a reliable partner to Republika Srpska institutions and an attractive employer in order to retain young people and ensure continuity in its work. "We are confident that these funds will significantly improve the services we provide to beneficiaries, for whom the Red Cross exists," Lazić said. He added that the funds are expected to become operational soon, enabling the implementation of planned activities through municipal and city Red Cross organizations across Republika Srpska. According to Lazić, the funds will be directed toward disaster preparedness and response, strengthening organizational capacities, supporting socially vulnerable populations, youth work, as well as health education and public health protection programs. "The BAM 2.5 million will enable the Red Cross of Republika Srpska to further strengthen its capacities and improve support programs for the population across Republika Srpska," Lazić said.