The Serbian Philanthropy Forum, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has announced the launch of a campaign ahead of National Giving Day, during which schools across Serbia will be able to nominate actions realized by schools, classes, or individuals who have distinguished themselves through their kindness, empathy, and solidarity. Successful actions and ideas will be rewarded on National Giving Day, celebrated every year on October 9.
The deadline for submitting ideas and projects is September 20, 2023.
“We want to encourage the youngest to engage in socially responsible projects that promote humanity, solidarity, and empathy,” said Veran Matić, Executive Director of the Serbian Philanthropy Forum. “We believe that students, above all, have the power to create positive changes in their schools and communities, and we want to reward and promote their exceptional efforts and show that they are the ones who can bring goodness back into our hearts.”
This year’s National Giving Day marks the official beginning of the “Year of Goodness,” where exceptional deeds of students who have demonstrated their dedication to fostering friendship, tolerance, caring for others, and humanity will be recognized, highlighted, and praised, all with the aim of steering society in the right direction after the tragic events of May 2023.
State Secretary Prof. Dr. Ivica Radović emphasized that the Ministry of Education gladly supported this initiative because it is essential to highlight individuals and actions that have stood out for their humanity, the cultivation of empathy, and solidarity.
“I believe you will have a challenging task because such activities are regularly organized in our schools, and many students and schools have demonstrated humanity in action. Today, more than ever, we have an obligation and duty to develop the virtues and values of our students with even greater enthusiasm and encourage them to be even better individuals,” said the State Secretary.
This year’s National Giving Day is part of the Inspire to Action project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Trag Foundation and other partner organizations, including CRTA, the National Youth Council of Serbia, the Feminist Cultural Center BeFem, the Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation, and the Serbian Philanthropy Forum. National Giving Day was established in 2018 at the initiative of the Serbian Philanthropy Forum, with the support of USAID and the Ana and Vlade Divac Foundation, as part of the former Giving Framework Project.
About the Serbian Philanthropy Forum:
The Serbian Philanthropy Forum (SFF) is the umbrella organization of foundations and donors in Serbia. As a platform for companies, organizations, and individuals who lead investments in a better society in Serbia, SFF’s activities inspire strategic approaches to investing in society, create an environment that encourages giving, and promote philanthropy as a social value