INTRODUCING
PONTEM
ABOUT US
PONTEM is a non-governmental and non-profit professional association of students and professionals from helping professions who find the orientation of their work in the theory and practice of social pedagogy and sociopedagogical concepts.
We are dedicated in promoting empathy, inclusivity, partnership, education, integrity, empowerment, innovation, and social justice. Through these core values, we work towards creating a more equitable and empowered society for all. Together, we strive to make a positive and lasting impact on society, fostering a sense of belonging and security within the communities we serve.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission at PONTEM is to advance and promote social pedagogy as a key profession that contributes to creating an inclusive, just, and empathetic society in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through continuous education, research, and professional development, we empower social pedagogues and other professionals in helping professions to effectively support and advocate for the rights, interests, and potentials of all members of society, with a special focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups.
We are committed to developing and applying innovative approaches that foster mutual understanding, tolerance, and social justice. We work on creating a network of collaboration among professionals, organizations, and communities to jointly promote positive social change and build resilient communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We believe that every person, through empathy, education, and support, can realize their full potential, contribute to the community, and live a life of dignity. Through our work, we strive to ensure that social pedagogy becomes a recognized and valued discipline that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of our society.
OUR GOALS
- Raising awareness about the importance of social pedagogy in society;
- Improving the quality of work of social pedagogues;
- Promoting the profession of social pedagogy and bringing together professionals from helping professions interested in social pedagogy;
- Developing social pedagogy as a science oriented towards theory and practice;
- Ensuring the rights and interests of social pedagogues;
- Providing education and professional development for social pedagogues;
- Monitoring and analyzing the development of the profession of social pedagogy in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Collaborating with related helping professions and organizations;
- Developing and promoting ethical standards in the profession;
- Promoting intercultural dialogue and tolerance;
- Empowering and supporting vulnerable groups and populations at social risk;
- Encouraging the idea of a globally inclusive society, inclusive education, and the integration of individuals with special needs;
- Active participation in policy and law-making processes;
- Developing and promoting research in the field of social pedagogy;
- Organizing international conferences and seminars on social pedagogy.
National Association for Social Pedagogy in Bosnia and Herzegovina contributes to the Global Alliance for Social Pedagogy and Social Education. By establishing connections with international networks, organizing events for knowledge exchange, advocating global goals, participating in international research, and sharing resources and publications, the association strengthens the global alliance, promotes social pedagogy worldwide, and fosters a deeper understanding of the discipline’s challenges and potential on an international level. Through these collaborative efforts, the association plays an active role in enhancing and developing the global alliance for social pedagogy, creating a robust international platform for the promotion of social pedagogy and the achievement of its objectives globally.
Action systems of the National Association for Social Pedagogy in Bosnia and Herzegovina:
System of underprivileged individuals, groups and their social space
SOCIO-PEDAGOGICAL INTERVENTION
We focus on socio-pedagogical support in the form of prevention, intervention and post-intervention for rightholders of social pedagogy services.
SOCIO-PEDAGOGICAL RESEARCH
Our goal is to thoroughly understand all the phenomena, crises and challenges faced by rightholders of social pedagogy through the research of rights holders, experts and institutions.
System of social pedagogues
EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The professional development of professional, practitioners and theorists, also means better service for rightsholders, a better network of helpers and better relations with the public.
FRAME OF OUR VALUES
- Organizing activities and advocacy on the importance of social pedagogy in society;
- Developing and implementing quality standards for the work of social pedagogues and professionals in helping professions, referring to international and national standards in helping professions;
- Organizing and participating in conferences and congresses of helping, social, and humanistic orientations with the aim of promoting social pedagogy;
- Developing and implementing socio-pedagogical educational programs and activities to advance social pedagogy as a science oriented towards theory and practice;
- Advocating for the rights of social pedagogues and professionals in helping professions in accordance with the law;
- Organizing educational programs and activities, seminars, and workshops for the professional development of social pedagogues and professionals in helping professions;
- Analyzing and evaluating the development of the profession of social pedagogy in Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- Establishing cooperation with organizations and professions that share similar goals;
- Establishing ethical and methodological standards and evaluating the practice of social pedagogues;
- Organizing cultural and intercultural events to promote dialogue and tolerance;
- Providing support and assistance to vulnerable groups and populations at social risk through socio-pedagogical educational programs and activities, socio-pedagogical counseling, and workshops;
- Advocating for the idea of a globally inclusive society, inclusive education, and providing support to individuals with special needs through various socio-pedagogical activities;
- Actively participating in policy and law-making processes concerning social pedagogy and helping professions in society;
- Promoting and advancing research in social pedagogy through research involving social pedagogy users, social pedagogies, and socio-pedagogical institutions;
- Organizing international conferences and seminars on social pedagogy in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The vision of the National Association for Social Pedagogy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is to create an inclusive society where social pedagogy plays a crucial role in promoting equal opportunities, social justice, and well-being for all individuals and communities.
- Our vision is to establish a strong and respected national association that brings together experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts in the field of social pedagogy. We aim to be recognized as a reliable partner for the government, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant stakeholders in shaping policies, programs, and projects aimed at addressing social challenges and needs.
- Through education, research, and the promotion of best practices, we seek to improve the quality of work for social pedagogues and professionals in helping professions. Our vision encompasses raising awareness about the importance of social pedagogy in society and its recognition as a key instrument for fostering positive social change.
- In the future, the National Association for Social Pedagogy will actively advocate for the rights and interests of social pedagogues and work towards improving their working conditions and professional opportunities. We will also encourage collaboration with related organizations and professions to strengthen international ties and knowledge exchange.
- Our vision is for social pedagogy to be acknowledged as a crucial resource in creating a society that nurtures inclusivity, solidarity, and understanding of diversity. Through a sustainable and comprehensive approach, the National Association for Social Pedagogy will contribute to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of all citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
