Bojan Proje from Ravne na Koroškem

Proposer: Smeri d.o.o., Ravne na Koroškem

One of the most convincing award-winners to address us in the spirit of the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All is Bojan Proje from Ravne na Koroškem. His example is testament to the fact that anyone, no matter the huge obstacles they may encounter in life, can make an important contribution to the quality of life of the wider community. At the vocational metalwork school in Ravne, Bojan Proje trained as a locksmith, and found employment in an ironworks. His early working years brought not just economic independence, but also his first encounter with illness and recognition that his occupation would not pay the bills. New technology required entirely new knowledge, and Bojan Proje decided to acquire it. He enrolled in and successfully completed mechanical-technical school. In doing so, he had much to learn, partly in order to be able to cope with his illness. When he realised how his new knowledge helped ease his own life, he decided to help others. He founded the Mežiška Valley Diabetics Society, becoming its first president. In 1993, he was transferred to another company, which then went into bankruptcy, forcing Bojan Proje to register with the Employment Service, which he still is today. But neither living with illness or unemployment took away his will to live and work. It seems that problems in life merely encourage him to seek original solutions to help others who find themselves in similar circumstances. He motivates individuals, organisations, schools and local communities towards healthy living and lifelong learning. He is able to link various social factors in the municipality and region to benefit people: he promoted the opening of an advice centre for diabetics in Ravne, he organises sports, social and general-education events for diabetics, such as a national competition for primary and secondary schools on the topic of What I know about diabetes, and he arranges round tables and talks. "For the sacrifices he has made, and the time and energy he has given to the well-being of society ... diabetics no longer feel that they are alone with their problems."