In times when we often hear about the lack of space and opportunities for young people, it’s important to highlight the initiatives that are actually creating change. Whether it’s the confidence built through sports and community, or the courage to speak up and claim a seat at the decision-making table, young people across Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to prove that they know more, want more, and are capable of more.
Through two youth-led initiatives in Bihać and Sarajevo, carried out with financial support from the European Union, we once again saw how young people can unite to shape spaces that reflect their needs. At the heart of both stories lies a common thread: youth empowerment through opportunities offered in their communities.
Sarajevo: Girls and Martial Arts
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club “Sakura” opened its doors to young girls and women, offering a space where they could feel safe, strong, and connected. Two self-defense seminars were held, led by coaches Emina Heganović and Larisa Cerić, who served as powerful role models, showing participants that there are no limits when you believe in yourself.
Beginners were warmly welcomed – there was no pressure or expectations, just a space to learn and grow. Through hands-on and theory-based workshops, participants learned self-defense techniques and built confidence, developed teamwork skills, and discovered the power of sport as a tool for personal development.
“One of our biggest challenges was easing the initial fear of those who had never stepped into the world of martial arts – and we did it. The atmosphere was relaxed and supportive,” said representatives from Sakura.
And the impact was evident. After the seminars, participants shared their excitement. Interest in continuing similar activities grew, and, more importantly, there were visible shifts in self-confidence.
“This is just the beginning. Every girl who felt strong and respected during these seminars now carries that spark forward, into her school, her community, her family. And that’s how we change the world, step by step, through courage, knowledge, and connection,” the Sakura team proudly shared.
Bihać: “More Sports, More Health”
The story of the transformative power of sport continued in the riverside city of Bihać, where young people called for their voices to be heard. That call led to the “More Sports, More Health” initiative – an open invitation for youth to wake up, speak up, and shape their everyday lives.
Three workshops were held for youth in Bihać, filled with energy, curiosity, laughter, and honest conversations. Participants had the chance to learn how and where to submit requests regarding sports facilities, how to use leadership skills on the playing field (where leaders often determine a team’s success), and how to stay motivated and achieve their goals in various initiatives.
“We achieved what we set out to do. Young people came eager to learn but also feeling that they were finally being given something they often lack, which is the right to be heard, and to have their opinions taken seriously,” said representatives from the organization Lan.
And what did the young people say?
“I’m really happy.” “It was interesting and I had a great time.” “We want more activities like this.” These are just a few reflections showing that Bihać is home to young people who are eager and able to drive change and seize the opportunities offered to them.
And the momentum didn’t stop there. Another important step followed: a formal initiative was drafted and submitted to the mayor, urging city leadership not just to listen to young people, but to involve them in committees, in decisions, in planning, and in everything that directly affects their lives. We can’t make decisions about youth without young voices!
The impact of this initiative became even more evident after it ended. The Youth Council of Una-Sana Canton launched a process to reestablish the City Youth Council of Bihać, which had previously ceased functioning. Lan’s team was there to offer their full support.
These activities are part of the project “Designing, Developing and Adopting Youth Policies”, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), the Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Network of youth centers for animation, development and training of Republika Srpska (M.O.C.A.R.T.) and the Association of Secondary School Students in BiH.
