A Voice For the Voiceless

The Advocacy Project helps marginalized communities to tell their story, claim their rights and produce social change. We recruit graduate students to volunteer as Peace Fellows with partners.

The Impact of Service



"Speaking with locals and living in a country is the best way to learn about the real lives of citizens, not just the stories in the mainstream media. I will be more critical of what I read as a result of this experience. I also feel even more grateful for my education, and I feel a stronger responsibility to assist others who do not have resources or access to opportunities in their communities."

Maria Skouras (New York University) volunteered in 2011 as a Peace Fellow for eHomemakers in Malaysia.

For more 2011 feedback click here.

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The Fellowship Pr... > Past Fellows > Peace Fellows 2008 > Danita Topcagic a...

Danita Topcagic and the Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization (BERDO)

Danita Topcagic will be working with the Blind Education and Rehabilitation Development Organization (BERDO) as a 2008 Peace Fellow in Dhaka, Bangladesh. BERDO is a local non-profit organization using micro-credit to empower the disabled community, raising awareness about disabilities and advocating for disability rights in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is a poor and overpopulated country with about 8-10% of the total population disabled. Disabled people lack access to medical facilities, education and employment opportunities and are therefore considered a burden on society. BERDO’s mission is to empower people with disabilities through income generation, education and training, and treatment facilities to become productive members of their community. As a Peace Fellow, Danita will work with BERDO to develop their micro-credit programs and improve their fundraising strategy. Additionally, she will help update BERDO’s website content and will assist with the production of regular newsletters and press releases for local and international press.

Danita Topcagic received her MA in global finance, trade and economic integration with a focus in international development from University of Denver, and her BA in international relations from University of Missouri – Columbia. Danita was raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but moved to the United States at age fourteen following the ethnic conflict in the region and since then she became passionate about humanitarian work. Danita wants to work in international development field and is thankful to AP for providing her with the field experience in Bangladesh.

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