The conference titled “Discovering Potential: Gifted Children and Youth” demonstrated a clear commitment to improving the educational system and creating better conditions for talent development, which is crucial for the future of our society.
The international conference “Discovering Potential: Gifted Children and Youth”, which was organized by the Public Institution Institute for the Development of Pre-Tertiary Education of Sarajevo Canton. in partnership with
the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton, the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of the Sarajevo Canton, the Institute for Youth Development KULT, BH Telecom and Unipromet d.d. Sarajevo gathered more than 150 experts, educators, psychologists, pedagogues, parents and other stakeholders, to exchange experiences and ideas on recognizing, supporting, and fostering the development of gifted children and young people.
The conference began with opening speeches from experts in education and science, including representatives from the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton. The speakers highlighted the crucial role of the educational system and the broader community in recognizing the potential of gifted children and young people, emphasizing the need to provide them with proper support and opportunities for growth.
“The Institute for Youth Development KULT remains committed to serving as a partner and advocate in all matters concerning young people, particularly initiatives focused on identifying and supporting their potential. I believe that through joint efforts, we can create an environment where young people will have access to the resources and support they need to fully develop their potential in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Ajka Rovčanin, Executive Director of the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
Workshops were the highlight of the conference, offering participants an opportunity to share experiences and develop concrete and actionable proposals to improve support for gifted children.
“Supporting gifted children and young people requires continuous and dedicated work, adaptation and creativity. Many years of experience in working with young people have shown me that innovative approaches and openness are key to the development of their talents,” said Senada Salihović, Director of the Institute for the Development of Pre-Tertiary Education of Sarajevo Canton.
The workshop, which brought together gifted primary and secondary school students from Sarajevo Canton, yielded valuable outcomes. The workshop aimed to identify the specific needs of gifted children and explore innovative educational approaches and assessment methods to support their optimal development.
“The potential of gifted children and young people must not go unrecognized, as any talent that isn’t met with attention and support is a lost opportunity to shape a better future and contribute to the development of society. Through combining formal and informal education, along with innovative approaches, we can create an environment that not only recognizes but also actively supports the development of these potentials. This will allow young people to achieve outstanding results and make positive contributions to society,” said Katarina Vučković, from the Youth Work Department at the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
By supporting, developing, and providing opportunities for children and young people, we can build a society that values and celebrates diverse talents, ideas, and creativity, helping them achieve their fullest potential.
