In Brčko, a simple idea about a little garden blossomed into a powerful story about learning, community, and love for nature. The initiative “Eco Garden of Medicinal, Aromatic, and Culinary Herbs,” led by Šeherzada Ribić and supported by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with Vermont Brčko, united students and teachers from the Agricultural and Medical High School around a shared mission: to raise awareness about the importance of plants and environmental care and to prove that sustainable gardens can thrive even in small spaces like balconies and terraces.
Through hands-on workshops, students explored medicinal and culinary herbs, learned garden design, and discovered modern horticultural tools. Then they put theory into practice: creating a garden in the schoolyard, planting herbs, and taking responsibility for its upkeep. Even during summer break, they returned to water the plants. Their first harvest was transformed into teas and dried spices, ready to continue their eco journey.
“We realized that the things we use every day, like tea, spices, and natural cosmetics, we can make ourselves. And we can do it without the use of pesticides. Our grandmother grew these plants, but only now do we understand their true value,” shared one student.
As Šeherzada explained, this project offered far more than a garden. Young people learned to plan, organize, speak to the media, lead initiatives, and think like entrepreneurs. As one participant put it: “Maybe this is the start of small local gardens for restaurants and hotels.”
The project leader emphasized that the Training for Secondary School Teachers and Support Staff provided by the Institute was key to making this idea a reality. It taught her how to plan and write projects, apply new teaching methods, and front the media. Most importantly, it made her feel that her effort truly matters.
Support from colleagues, the school, and families made the process even smoother. Students were involved in every stage, and the community’s positive response showed just how inspiring and appreciated such projects are.
“This is the first time we’ve had a project like this at school. It was amazing to work, learn, and create something that will still be there even after we finish school,” said another participant.
Šeherzada’s message to young people was clear: “If you never try, you’ll never know how much you can achieve.”
The youth in Brčko proved that sometimes all it takes is a first step, a handful of soil, a few seeds, and a heart full of ideas to help a new generation blossom into young people who believe in nature, community, and themselves.
Learn, Think and Act! (UMiD) is a three-month training program implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT. The program consists of three modules and ten units designed to help young people become active members of society and leaders in their communities. The nineteenth cohort of UMiD in 2025 included ten young participants from ten different communities across BiH.
