“Volunteering at the Sarajevo Film Festival is the best part of the year for me. If I have to, I even miss travelling to the seaside. My summer is reserved for SFF.” This is how twenty-year-old NedĹľad, who has been volunteering at the Sarajevo Film Festival begins his story. He continues to talk about people who he has met through volunteering and the experiences that are, he states, the most valuable item of each year.
Volunteering, options and experiences provided by volunteering at the greatest regional film festival – Sarajevo Film Festival, were the topics discussed at the Educational-Leisure Centre for Youth SPAJALICA. The guests of the “Coffee Time with…” session were Aida Ĺ ehi?, volunteer coordinator at SFF and NedĹľad and Dijana, the volunteers. Aida Ĺ ehi? discussed the options provided by volunteering to a youth, but also what is expected from volunteers. “Volunteers of Sarajevo Film Festival have to be young dedicated people who wish, first and foremost, to learn something, but also to have fun. The volunteers have to be adults and speak English or some other foreign language” – explained Aida Ĺ ehi?. She adds that Sarajevo Film Festival volunteers are expected to be punctual and responsible in fulfilling their tasks. SPAJALICA guests, many of whom have been volunteering for the Institute for Youth Development KULT were interested in how they could apply but also what other advantages they can expect as volunteers of the Festival. “Travelling to Novi Sad and volunteering at the Exit Festival, with all expenses covered, is one of the greatest advantages” – emphasized Aida Ĺ ehi?. She adds that volunteers can attend film projections, but also acquire tickets for some of SFF parties.
Experiences of SFF volunteers thrilled the visitors. Their dedication and willingness to volunteer, not just at the Sarajevo Film Festival, but also in general, encouraged youth to thinking. Statistics state that over 20% of Europeans over 15 are involved in volunteering. Our country, on the other hand, is at the bottom of the rank. Still, experiences shared by youth volunteers of Sarajevo Film Festival and the Institute for Youth Development KULT are evidence that the statistics might change. The Law on Volunteering in FBiH was adopted in 2013 and the adoption was initiated by the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
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