An analysis of preschool education in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Fairness and equal opportunities for all children

Dženeta Camović and Lejla Hodžić

Summary:  This paper presents the fundamental characteristics of preschool education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the key issues relating to its development over the past decade. The main goal is to draw attention to the unequal opportunities provided to children regarding their participation in preschool programs, which is one of the biggest challenges facing the educational system in this country. The paper contains general information regarding preschool educational enrolment, but also includes factors affecting the opportunities available to children who wish to participate in preschool programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially those at risk. Since the fulfilment of the right to a preschool education is being assessed from a children’s rights-based approach, this paper provides information on the necessary strategic measures that should be undertaken in order to ensure equal access to a quality education for all children. Following our analysis of preschool education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we conclude that this area requires significant and urgent interventions. Poverty and economic instability are important factors that affect the infrastructure and quality of kindergartens. Data shows that 85% of preschool children in Bosnia and Herzegovina have no access to preschool programs at all, which is the lowest preschool participation rates in Europe, and it mostly affects children of socioeconomically endangered families.