- Challenges of young people in BiH: Obstacles or opportunities?
Being young in Bosnia and Herzegovina is challenging, to say the least. The boundless enthusiasm of young people often clashes with reality—unfavorable economic conditions, an outdated education system, and a lack of opportunities—leaving them constantly asking: Should I stay or go? For years, the Institute for Youth Development KULT has been working to ensure that this dilemma doesn’t always lead to a one-way ticket out of BiH, while not judging the young people who make that choice. Our role is to ensure that young people have opportunities to actively participate in social processes, even when it seems like the doors are closed to them. A key component of our work is cooperation with government institutions, where we focus on creating frameworks and strategies that enable long-term changes instead of band-aid solutions.
However, the challenges young people face are not only economic. The lack of opportunities and unrealistic job requirements—like entry-level positions requiring “two years of experience”—only add to the frustration of young people entering the workforce. On the one hand, these requirements highlight a shortage of skilled labor, while on the other, they create barriers that prevent young people from entering the job market altogether. According to our Analysis of the Position and Needs of Youth in BiH, this is one of the main reasons young people choose to leave the country.
The Institute works to identify these challenges and address them in cooperation with institutions, ensuring that young people are more than just statistics and have access to the opportunities they deserve. How do these problems impact the lives of young people in BiH, and what do they truly want and need?
- What young people in BiH really want and need
The situation for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina is complex, and many, confronted with these challenges, have chosen to leave the country. According to data from our Analysis of the Position and Needs of Youth in BiH, young people face pressure stemming from economic insecurity, a mismatch between education and the labor market, and widespread corruption. Emigrating is becoming the only viable solution for many, and judging by current trends, a significant portion of these young people will likely never return.
Youth unemployment is alarmingly high, reaching 60% in some areas of the country. Young people, even those with university education, simply cannot find jobs that match their qualifications. Employers continue to seek workers with experience, while young people, unable to gain that experience, remain stuck at the start of their careers.
The departure of young people is not solely due to unemployment. The political climate and corruption further distance young people from their country. Many young people feel that their voices are not heard and that they are excluded from the processes that shape their future. Nearly half of young people are seriously considering leaving BiH – a statistic that reflects deep dissatisfaction and a lack of trust in the system.
- How do motivation and autonomy change the rules of the game for young people?
When discussing the needs of young people, it’s clear that motivation and autonomy are crucial factors in their development and decision to stay in the country. Examining the challenges young people face, from unemployment to political distrust, raises an important question: How can we motivate young people to stay and take an active role in society? This is where understanding the deeper psychological needs of young people, as discussed in David Yeager’s book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, becomes crucial.
The book explores the primary motivational factors essential for young people aged 10 to 25. Yeager emphasizes that young people do not respond to coercion or intimidation; instead, they seek status, autonomy, and respect. These three needs influence how young people make decisions, both regarding their careers and whether to stay in or leave the country. Status is not just about one’s career; it is also bound to self-confidence and a sense of worth in society. Autonomy refers to young people’s ability to choose their own path without feeling restricted, while respect is essential for maintaining motivation – they want to be acknowledged and valued for their skills and contributions.
If we look at the status of young people in BiH, it becomes clear that these needs are seldom met. Young people often feel they lack status in society because they struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications. Their autonomy is limited by bureaucratic hurdles and systemic barriers, while respect is often absent, as they are not seen as important decision-makers. This is why they feel marginalized and why many consider leaving.
Yeager criticizes traditional approaches to motivating young people, such as campaigns that rely on intimidation or simply passing on information without asking them for input. Methods commonly used in various campaigns have proven ineffective because they fail to address the real needs of young people. Young people want to be actively involved, make decisions, and take responsibility for their lives, rather than being told what they should or should not do.
A similar issue can be seen in many programs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where young people are often treated as passive recipients of policies and strategies, which contradicts the current youth laws. In the Analysis, young people point to many ineffective employment programs that, instead of providing real opportunities and support, focus on administrative procedures without addressing their actual needs. Examples include various government youth employment programs, where the focus is more on formalities than on creating real opportunities for gaining experience and making progress.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT, guided by ideas much like those presented in Yeager’s book, intends to change this approach. It is crucial not only to encourage authorities to create programs for young people but also to involve youth in the development process, which will ultimately result in programs where they are key actors and their needs for autonomy, status, and respect are addressed. This is the only way to create true leaders of the future—individuals who will stay in the country and actively contribute to its development, not just during election periods.
- Strategy for empowering future leaders
The book “10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People” offers concrete strategies that the Institute for Youth Development KULT seeks to apply in its work with institutions, teachers and youth workers. One of the key methods in the book is the so-called “wise feedback,” which relies on setting high expectations while providing emotional support. This method can be particularly useful when working with young people, as it allows them to face challenges and achieve goals, while feeling trusted and supported.
The Institute plans to use similar approaches in our work with a youth advisory group called “KULTivators of the Future”, which is starting work soon. This group brings together young people who will advise the Institute in the process of developing programs and policies, and “wise feedback” can play a key role in empowering these young leaders. By setting high standards while also providing support, we can help young people develop their leadership skills and confidence, and recognize that they have the capacity to rise to these high standards.
While this group is still in its infancy, the Institute envisions it as a partner in making decisions and developing initiatives. Youth officers, youth workers, and teachers can also use similar approaches in their daily work with young people to motivate them to take responsibility and to help them feel safe and supported in the process.
The Institute for Youth Development KULT, whenever possible, applies the principles of youth motivation and empowerment. “KULTivators of the Future” is only one of the Institute’s initiatives that involve young people in decision-making and provide opportunities for developing leadership skills. Educational programs, like our UMiD courses, empower participants to take on responsible roles in decision-making processes and tackle real challenges within their communities. Through mentoring support and continuous feedback, our young allies in the fight for youth rights gain confidence and develop skills that will serve them in the future. These programs empower young leaders to engage with their communities, recognize their potential, and understand how they can drive change.
- Let’s shape the future through science-based youth empowerment
Key findings from the Institute’s survey on youth in BiH and motivation strategies based on scientific approaches highlight that real progress depends on understanding young people’s deeper psychological needs. The need for autonomy, status, and respect is not just an abstract idea—it is the foundation that shapes young people’s sense of worth and their motivation to stay, contribute, and thrive in their country. When these needs are met, young people feel empowered, ready to take responsibility and actively contribute to society. On the other hand, when these needs are neglected, young people experience isolation and dissatisfaction, often leading them to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Applying these science-based approaches ensures that young people in BiH receive support that truly meets their needs—not through intimidation or passive campaigns, but through genuine appreciation and recognition of their potential.
#nesmijemostati! We must be part of the change that provides young people not just opportunities, but the motivation to stay, grow, and take the lead in shaping their country’s future.
Leave a comment