On a sunny day in December 2024, Gradiška hosted the first study visit under the PRAGG project. The event brought together participants from various civil society organizations, local governments, and development agencies and served as a vibrant platform for sharing experiences and inspiring new initiatives.
The study visit was designed as a dynamic program filled with activities showcasing how cross-sector cooperation and innovation can strengthen local communities.
A Morning of Visions and Strategising
The day began with a visit to the Gradiška City Administration, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Department for Development and International Projects. Experts from the department presented the strategies the city uses to attract international funding for local development.
“For many years, the Gradiška City Administration has actively supported a variety of initiatives, projects, and activities that contribute to community development. This support is not just institutional but genuine and concrete, and it lays the foundation for many success stories that improve the lives of citizens here. There is a special energy that drives all these positive changes, as if some strange current runs through this city, inspiring us all to do more and better,” said Dijana Mijatović, financial administrator and project coordinator at Genesis Project from Banja Luka.
After the introductory session, participants took a walking tour of key sites in Gradiška, seeing firsthand examples of cross-sector collaboration in action. This tour covered everything from tourism and culture to economic initiatives, with each stop telling a story of stakeholders joining forces.
An Afternoon of Inspiration: From Activism to Innovation
After a short break, the visit continued at the Association MOST, where participants learned about their impressive work with young people through projects benefiting the community.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation by the Gradiška Development Agency, showcasing how public-private dialogue can fuel innovation and economic growth. Real-world examples demonstrated how creative solutions can strengthen the local economy. The day ended on an even more inspiring note with stories from neighboring Srbac, where the C.E.Z.A.R. Association’s director, Tanja Šnjegota, shared how small communities can deliver impactful projects with the right approaches.
“I genuinely believe we succeeded in creatively presenting everything we have done, what we are doing now, and what we plan to do in the future. Events like this are essential because they offer opportunities to learn from one another. We used the sunny day to walk through the city, experience its culture and traditions, and meet the people behind the most important institutions. After all of this, I feel full of optimism and faith that big things often start with us ‘regular’ people. I hope everyone takes away only positive experiences. The Development Agency is a prime example of how strategic collaboration between public, private, and civil sectors can achieve great things. Networking, sharing information, and exchanging experiences are key to success. We are all on the same side, working toward the same goal: creating better living conditions for our citizens,” said Bogdan Vicanović, Director of the Gradiška Development Agency.
Building Connections and Fresh Energy for Future Projects
Beyond the new knowledge gained, participants highlighted the value of networking. The chance to exchange ideas and experiences with peers from different backgrounds energized and inspired many for their future work.
“It always inspires me to see so many colleagues from the NGO sector gathered in one place. I believe networking is crucial for the survival of civil society organizations in BiH. Only through collaboration can small organizations survive and carve out their place under the sun,” said Mladen Ćikić from the Citizens’ Association Rusag, Prijedor.
“The recipe for success I’m taking from this study visit is to encourage and involve as many young people as possible in decision-making, organizing, and implementing activities, so they feel useful and responsible. Ultimately, it would benefit the entire community. Young people need support—they are creative, full of new ideas, and can drive significant changes if given the opportunity. I want to emphasize that unity and cooperation are the keys to positive change that fosters the growth and well-being of the community,” added Mirela Nuhanović, a teacher at “Cazin” Secondary School.
Inspiration for Everyday Work
The study visit to Gradiška once again demonstrated that cross-sector collaboration, innovation, and networking can drive positive change. Armed with a wealth of ideas and examples, participants returned to their communities energized and inspired, while the PRAGG project continues to strengthen local communities through connection and knowledge-sharing.
