Education communities became involved in mixed events and after-school activities run by teachers and parents in different languages. The fund was overseen by an independent advisory board that included members from various ethnic backgrounds, the OSCE, donor and government representatives, and popular local music artists. The fund enabled the implementation of numerous activities that promoted inter-ethnic dialogue and co-operation. It resulted in the interaction of hundreds of kids from different communities for the first time across the ethnic divide. Many schools started new collaborations that paved the way for future joint activities. The initiative contributed to advancing stability, reconciliation and social cohesion in a society where inter-ethnic relations were tense and fragile. In addition, some of the schools became more motivated in seeking their own activities to bring together students with different ethnic backgrounds. Multi-ethnic youth camps In co-operation with an implementing partner experienced in multiculturalism, the OSCE organized a series of summer and winter camps for high school students aged 16 to 19 years. Following an open call, participants were selected from all communities with due regard to gender and ethnic balance. The facilitators came from various ethnic backgrounds and spoke the local languages. The camp programmes were highly interactive, and included confidence-building and team-building exercises in mixed groups. OSCE staff participated in all events. 54

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