Yesterday, the Institute for Youth Development KULT and the Youth Council of Bosanska Krupa hosted the event My Place in the Sun: Opportunities, Challenges, Decisions. Young people from Bosanska Krupa and surrounding areas had the chance to speak with Armin Halitović, Mayor of Bosanska Krupa; Amil Rekić, member of the Youth Council and top student at the Safet Krupić Multidisciplinary Secondary School; and Ismet Bešić, President of the Youth Council of Bosanska Krupa.
The conversation centered around a key issue for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina – whether to stay or leave the country. Through open discussion and the sharing of personal stories, participants reflected on the opportunities available to them in the Una-Sana Canton, especially in Bosanska Krupa, and the challenges they face in their everyday lives. The event is part of the #JOSUVIJEKSAMTU campaign run by the Institute for Youth Development KULT, which shines a spotlight on the real-life dilemmas young people encounter as they try to build a future in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What made this gathering particularly powerful were the young participants themselves, who showed they’re not content to sit on the sidelines and are eager to be the ones bringing change. They spoke with their peers and the mayor about their experiences and needs. In turn, the mayor expressed genuine interest in their perspectives and a willingness to work with youth and support their ideas and initiatives.
As part of the #JOSUVIJEKSAMTU campaign, a mini library has also arrived in Bosanska Krupa. It will officially open to all book lovers in the area in the coming days.
Residents will be able to borrow a book or donate one for someone else to enjoy. This activity was a way for young people to show the community that they’re committed to learning, sharing knowledge, and building a better society, inspired by conversations with their peers succeeding in both formal and informal education.
This event reaffirmed just how important it is for young people’s voices to be heard and for their challenges, ideas, and willingness to take action to reach those in positions to support them.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT extends its gratitude to the Youth Council of Bosanska Krupa for their collaboration, to Mayor Armin Halitović, to the impressive Amil Rekić, and Youth Council President Ismet Bešić for joining the panel. We are also grateful to the participants for their thoughtful contributions to the discussion.
This conversation sent a clear message: We’re still here and we’re ready to create more opportunities for youth in BiH.
