Context

The national context of BiH highlights the critical importance of social cohesion in the post-conflict country. BiH was the most ethnically heterogeneous republic within the SFRY and went through periods of inter-ethnic coexistence and tensions caused by internal and external factors. Under the socialist regime, the slogan “unity and brotherhood” was issued, and ethnic differences were downplayed. The socialist self-management system was introduced to govern society, and the system granted autonomy to schools. The conflict between the three ethnic groups in 1992–1995 led to a split in the newly independent country. Post-conflict education policies have been ethnic-based, perpetuating and exacerbating group divisions and hindering efforts to restore the social fabric and develop social cohesion. Meanwhile, external actors have played an assertive role in shaping the education system to facilitate democratization and accession to the EU. In response, various domestic actors have interpreted and implemented externally induced educational reforms, resulting in a stalemate in the system. Nevertheless, some examples of initiatives in formal education and NFE appear to have contributed to the development of social cohesion.