A group of young people in Glamoč has shown just how far creativity, courage, and teamwork can go in revitalising a community. Through the Learn, Think and Act! (UMiD19) programme implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT, and under the “Culture for Glamoč” initiative supported by the Poljo-eko Association of Teachers, Parents and Students, local youth explored theatre, documentary filmmaking, and their town’s cultural heritage, and in the process discovered their own talents and ability to influence change.
The initiative began with a series of workshops designed to spark cultural awareness, first among young people and then throughout the wider community. One workshop, led by a psychologist, focused on parent–child relationships and raised an important question: how much does family support shape a young person’s willingness to step into creative and personal growth?
“We wanted young people to feel supported, to know their parents understand them and have their back. Only then can they truly create and grow,” explained Darija Zečević, the teacher who designed and led the initiative.
From there, the group moved into the world of theatre. Acting workshops offered a completely new experience and saw young people stepping onto a stage, facing the lights and the nerves, and discovering the power of storytelling. Rehearsals for the final performance created a relaxed, creative environment that carried through to the show itself.
At the same time, another group of students discovered their journalistic side while producing a documentary film. They developed interviewing skills, met key figures in Glamoč’s cultural life, and learned more about the town’s heritage.
The community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. When the students premiered their theatre performance and documentary, the hall was filled with people eager to support them.
Ms Zečević says the initiative helped young people grow because it required them to work through a genuine process of personal development. With their new confidence, they are now ready to create cultural content independently. She emphasised that both the drama group and the journalism club will continue after the project, which is the clearest sign of its success.
She also noted that the Institute’s UMiD training supported her own development, giving her the chance to meet teachers from across Bosnia and Herzegovina who have since become trusted colleagues.
“The training was extremely useful for me professionally. It was full of practical methods that fit easily into the classroom and align with current reforms. Still, I didn’t feel fully prepared for this initiative, especially the administrative part, which was new and quite demanding. But working with young people made it all worthwhile,” she said.
“The future is in our hands, and it’s up to us to shape it. Culture reflects the times we live in, so let’s make sure future generations are proud of what we create,” she told the students.
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.
