With an aim of discussing possible cooperation in the field of higher education, IUS Rector Prof. Dr. B. Gültekin Çetiner, together with Vice-rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhamed Hadžiabdić and Prof. Hilmi Ünlü visited Centre for Blind and Visually Impaired Children in Sarajevo on February 4th 2010. There, they were greeted by the director of the Centre Mr. Damir Ovčina who gave them a tour of the Center and introduced them with its premises – high school, primary school and specially adapted playground and park. The Centre is currently being attended by 80 pupils who follow current state curricula.
Visitors from IUS discussed with Mr. Ovčina the issue of adapting the study materials for blind and visually impaired children, who then informed his guests of the latest technologies that Centre uses in producing books, textbook and other written materials in Braille alphabet. He then explained that Center's pupils get most of necessary information from Internet adding that their pupils are very interested in continuing with their education. As Mr. Ovčina stated, almost one third of their high school graduates continue education at one of the universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
At this point, Rector Çetiner expressed willingness of the IUS Board of Trustees to financially support the education of one student from the Centre at International University of Sarajevo. Rector Çetiner then met and had long conversation with a final year high-school student Laid who was selected to be offered education at IUS.
Rector Çetiner and Mr. Ovčina agreed to establish cooperation in a way that Centre will offer its experience to help the inclusion of blind and visually impaired children into IUS study system. „Visionary people make history. We have a vision and we can achieve this vision. We can get rid of the barriers if we help each other and if we all work together“ said Rector Çetiner who added that high-quality education should be available to all children. As the visit ended, Rector Çetiner presented a small gift to Mr. Ovčina on behalf of IUS.
Sarajevo, February 4th 2010
