Anes Kršić wanted to change the BiH society for the better, and be a responsible citizen. He recognised political engagement as one of the ways for a young person to improve the society. He wanted to do better than his predecessors, so he decided to never stop learning. He decided to build on his knowledge by taking part in UMiD for Young Political Leaders (UMiDp), the Institute’s program for young political leaders from various parties in BiH. During 3 five-day modules, young politicians learn about navigating the political system in BiH, creating a political image and political advocacy and negotiation to address youth needs and problems.
Life before and after UMiD for Young Political Leaders… What changed?
I can confidently say that this training changed the way I think. Mogu reći da mi se način razmišljanja prije i način razmišljanja poslije obuke UMiDp promijenio. Drugačije posmatram i pratim ono sto se dešava u mojoj lokalnoj zajednici, ali i generalno u BiH.
Why is additional education and experience important for young politicians?
Unfortunately, some BiH politicians lack even proper formal education, much less non-formal education. Politicians should continuously work on their education.
Additional education isn’t important just for politicians, it’s important for all citizens, especially young people. It’s important because non-formal education lets you meet people from all over BiH and the world, we make connections and new friends, we visit cities we hadn’t been to before, and, most importantly, we get the knowledge and experience that will definitely be of use to us whether in politics or any other sector that a young person may gravitate to in the future.
Are there things you wouldn’t have done or supported politically before the training, that you now view differently?
Before the training I thought some problems can solve themselves, but now I know that if we don’t get up and get going, nothing will be solved.
What will you be focusing on in your political engagement?
I, just like any other young politician, and any older politician as well, actually, should pay more attention to children and youth, given how many are leaving this country.
The best thing that happened to me during the training was…?
I met people who don’t judge you for your political affiliation, your name, your nationality. I also met inspiring lecturers and trainers who selflessly shared their knowledge and experience with us. That’s the best thing that could have happened to me during this training.
Can young people’s political engagement bring change?
Of course it can! We know that BiH has plenty of political parties, and they are a channel that can be used by youth to make sure their voices are heard, their rights respected, they can launch initiatives and propose solutions. Being in politics is only one of the ways we can start changing things for the better, which is why I believe every young person should join a political party.
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