The Institute for Youth Development KULT proudly launched the third cycle of its mentorship program, bidding farewell to the previous generation of mentees and welcoming a new one. Once again, we brought together some incredible people – motivated, eager to learn, hardworking, and optimistic individuals who believe in change and work for the common good.
The primary goal of this program is to empower representatives of non-governmental organizations and thus round out the support that the Institute offers to civil society organizations by strengthening their organizational capacities and performance. Strong civil society organizations are better equipped to create positive change and act effectively within their communities.
As we listened to the diverse desires, reasons, and motivations that brought mentors and mentees into this process, we heard some fascinating answers to the question: How did I end up here?
Some mentees learned about the Institute’s mentorship program through conversations with other NGO representatives. But the story does not end here! This creative group of people described their expectations in some very imaginative ways. Seventeen-year-old Nadin Brka, the youngest participant and a representative of the REaktiv Association from Zenica, likened the mentor–mentee relationship to a guided tour – a completely new journey that would result in countless impressions, experiences, and answers to previously unexplored questions.
Brankica Ždero from the Dinarica Association in Mostar compared it to a dance, where both partners must be attuned to each other. No matter how skilled they are individually, the choreography only succeeds when they are in sync.
Dženis Duračić, representing the LINK Association from Mostar, described it through his favorite cooking show, where ‘baby experts’ learn essential lessons from ‘big experts’.“
“If we don’t have support, it’s hard to reach the goals we’re striving for,” said Sanja Križanović from the Fojničani Association in Maglaj and Anesa Markin from the Local Democracy Agency Mostar.
This new group of mentees shared that what they’re looking forward to most from their mentors is a relaxed and supportive environment, dedication, a friendly connection, mutual positivity, and knowing they can count on help when they need it.
One particularly inspiring story came from Edisa Demić, director of the “Dignitet” Association in Mostar. Her role in the mentorship program has evolved: she began as a mentee, and through hard work, determination, and a constant drive to grow, she returned in the previous cycle as a mentor ready to share her knowledge and experience with others.
“As a mentee, I had the chance to learn from Jasmina, my mentor at the time. Later, as a mentor myself, I could build on that experience by adding my own perspective, originality, and unique approach, and pass that on to my mentee. I definitely felt a greater sense of responsibility as a mentor than I did as a mentee, because I knew the focus had to be entirely on that person and not on me, so that real, positive change could happen,” she explained.
Mentorship is more than just sharing knowledge. It’s a space where new perspectives, ideas, and values take shape. It doesn’t just equip people with new skills; it also gives them the motivation and courage to pursue their goals, explore new paths, recognize their strengths, and overcome challenges.
Mentors play an essential role: they open doors to new possibilities and encourage personal and professional growth. Every conversation and each step in this journey becomes a building block for meaningful progress. Good mentorship isn’t just about what’s learned and applied – it’s about helping mentees believe in themselves and their potential.
This cycle’s mentor–mentee pairs are: Sehija Dedović (Center for Education and Research NAHLA) and Anesa Markin (Local Democracy Agency Mostar), Edisa Demić (“Dignitet” Association) and Nadin Brka (REaktiv Association), Amir Hasanović (Association for addiction prevention NARKO-NE) & Brankica Ždero (Dinarica Association, Mostar), Marina Jovović (Sarajevo Open Centre) and Dženis Duračić (LINK Association), Anita Šimić (Network of Active Communities) and Sanja Križanović (Fojničani Association).
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing several inspiring stories that emerged from the collaboration between mentors and mentees in the previous cycle. You’ll find them all at mladi.org.
