Having someone to guide and support them on the path to employment and personal development can make all the difference in a young person’s career and future. That’s exactly what employment mentors do. They’re not just there to help with job hunting, but also to provide encouragement, support, and inspiration. Through an innovative approach known as social mentoring, employment mentors are helping transform individual lives while strengthening communities and laying the foundation for sustainable youth support systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Azer Ćatović was born in Mostar and currently lives in Sarajevo. He completed secondary school with a qualification as a physical therapy technician and is now finishing his master’s degree in Education and Rehabilitation at the Faculty of Education. In his introduction, he emphasizes music, which he describes as a constant companion. To him, music is more than a hobby – it’s a form of expression that brings meaning to his life.
He joined the social mentoring process because, first and foremost, he wanted to work on himself.
“My educational and personal journey has been shaped by perseverance and a desire for continuous growth. I was born blind, and I’ve learned that this is not a limitation but an opportunity to recognise potential and make the best of it. For me, this process felt like the perfect space for that kind of growth,” says Azer.
He describes his work with mentor Naida Duvnjak-Šehović as a particularly meaningful experience. Their conversations, tasks they worked on together, and reflections gave him the chance to see things from new perspectives and face challenges with more composure.
“Naida’s support was never overbearing. It was always just what I needed, exactly when I needed it. Our relationship was based on trust, mutual respect, and a sense of safety that didn’t just come from her advice, but from the way that advice was given. That care is where the real strength of the process lies,” Azer says proudly.
What helped him most, he says, was becoming aware of the patterns of thinking and behaviour that had been holding him back. “I shifted my perspective on a number of things, which opened up space for personal and professional growth. That awareness, combined with specific, actionable advice, helped me define the path I want to follow.”
Azer now works as a physical therapist at a private practice.
“I’m part of a team that values professionalism, clear communication, team spirit, and mutual trust. During the project, I made contact with my current employer, and together with my mentor and the employer, we built a partnership to find the best model for my employment and integration into the workplace. I also had the chance to work on my skills through specialised training that made a real difference to my professional development. Mentoring went beyond offering ready-made solutions and empowered me to make independent decisions that aligned with my values and goals.”
Although he already felt somewhat confident, this process helped deepen and solidify his self-confidence. “It helped me see myself and my abilities more clearly and objectively, which gives me greater confidence when making decisions. By becoming aware of old patterns and adopting new approaches, I now pursue my goals with calmness and intention.”
He believes projects like social mentoring create real opportunities for young people to reflect on their own paths, especially during the transition from education to employment.
“The message I want to share with young people is that the shortest, easiest route isn’t always the one that leads to long-term success. Real growth often takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to face the challenges that shape our character and capabilities. What matters most is that the path we take isn’t imposed on you. It should align with our values and integrity. That’s the only path that brings true strength and fulfillment,” Azer concludes.
