Employment mentoring is not just a solution to labor market challenges, nor merely another approach within BiH’s social protection system – it sparks positive change and creates inspiring life stories. Employment mentors are not just mentors – they create opportunities for new beginnings and help shape meaningful life paths.
The success of employment mentoring relies on a dedicated and professional team of mentors, whose knowledge and experience ensure the effective integration of vulnerable groups into the workforce.
Employment mentors provide key support to mentees in identifying their strengths, motivating them and preparing them for navigating the labor market, finding a job and staying employed. Mentors guide and streamline the process, making visions a reality. They encourage the development of more inclusive workplaces and the creation of sustainable societies with equal opportunities for all.
The mentoring process is led by 7 employment mentors: Amina Džaferović, Dajana Bakić, Enisa Mešetović, Naida Kokić, Sanda Ljukovac, Naida Duvnjak – Šehović and Dženana Pindžo – Mekić.
Amina Džeforović is a coordinator in the Business Community department of CEI NAHLA, and works on projects aimed at integrating unemployed people into the labor market. Her focus is on labor market integration through educational programs and establishing sustainable relationships with employers. She finds her motivation in creating positive changes in society.
Dajana Bakić, a pedagogue and psychologist, is the Operations Manager at the Sarajevo Open Center and a dedicated advocate for human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a focus on LGBTIQ rights. Aware of the obstacles marginalized young people face in finding employment, she applies her years of knowledge and skills to strengthening the capacities of her mentees.
Enisa Mešetović, who holds a master’s degree in political science, is an expert advisor for education, youth issues, and the NGO sector in the Municipality of Ilijaš. Her work revolves around protecting the rights and improving the position of young people and NGOs in society. Once again, she is demonstrating her commitment to her community as an employment mentor, offering support and guidance to marginalized youth.
Naida Kokić is the Executive Director of the “Izvor nade” Foundation, with extensive experience as a career and peer mentor. She believes in employment mentoring through an individualized approach as the only long-term and sustainable way to support mentees.
Sanda Ljukovac, director of Festina Lente doo, is an HR consultant, trainer, and moderator specializing in building employees’ universal skills. As a human resources expert, she intends to train her mentees to build a successful business career. She finds motivation and inspiration in her mentees’ progress, as well as in the insights and lessons she has gained through the mentoring process.
Naida Duvnjak Šehović is a psychologist and Gestalt psychotherapist, known for her motivation, creativity, and independence in implementing HR processes. Her continuous professional development has earned her recognition as an outstanding mentor and internal trainer among business partners and clients. Naida is passionate about helping others grow and uses employment mentoring to shape new perspectives for both her mentees and herself.
Dženana Pindžo – Mekić is a professional counselor for prevention and early intervention, currently employed at the Family Counseling Center. As a certified trainer in life skills, employability skills, and counseling, she is perfectly positioned to play a key role in her mentees’ development. She sees employment mentoring as an ideal opportunity to support young people, allowing her to witness their growth and achievements through one-on-one guidance.
With dedication, empathy, and expertise, employment mentors support marginalized and underemployed young people in overcoming challenges, building skills and confidence, and advancing in their personal and professional development.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT is implementing the project “Social Mentoring for Youth in BiH” within a broader regional project, “Social Inclusion of Disadvantaged Groups in the Western Balkans (SoRi III),” which is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Institute is developing a social mentoring approach for work integration, based on the methodology created by the Association for Research, Communication, and Development PUBLIC from Skopje.
Leave a comment