Balkans: EI launches urgent action appeal | WPN World People News

EI and its European region, the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE), have launched an urgent action appeal, calling for solidarity and support for Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Member organisations in Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina have written to EI and ETUCE to request our solidarity and financial support following the recent catastrophic weather conditions in the region,” said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen and ETUCE Director Martin Rømer in their joint statement.

In the Balkans, at least 50 people have died and over 10,000 have lost their homes in the region’s heaviest rainfall in the last 120 years, they explain.

Schools and teachers badly affected

The statement highlights that hundreds, perhaps thousands, of teachers are among those who lost everything in the floods and landslides, according to member organisations in the countries concerned.

A total of 151 elementary and secondary schools in Serbia alone suffered heavy structural damage, forcing the temporary relocation of students to other regions so that they may complete their school year. Agriculture and transport infrastructure were also hit badly.

More support needed

According to education unions from neighbouring countries have provided first aid supplies, such as fresh water, clothing and tents, but more support is required for the situation to return to normal and for education to resume in the worst-affected areas.

“EI and ETUCE wish to express their full solidarity with colleagues in Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina and urge member organisations from Europe and from around the world to join the relief efforts and make donations to the Solidarity Fund,” the two education trade union leaders underline.

Source: Education Internation