Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming a place of inspiration and change, thanks to projects that offer young people the chance to shape their communities. As part of the initiatives launched under the project “Let’s Design, Develop, and Adopt Youth Policies,” funded by the European Union, four associations: Bosnian Industry Women’s Association (BIWA), Košnica Mostar, Youth Center Bugojno, and NGO We Love Čajniče are bringing innovation, inspiration, and support to their communities through their projects.
The BIWA Association, through its project “BIWA Elevate: Shaping Women’s Futures in Industry,” has helped young women in the technical and industrial sector develop professionally.
“Through our events, such as MeetUp panels and BIWA Cafés, we provided opportunities for networking and exchanging experiences between students, young professionals, and experts,” BIWA representatives noted.
Meanwhile, in Čajniče, the NGO We Love Čajniče transformed an abandoned illegal landfill site, Zlodo, into a space with potential for an adrenaline park.
“This initiative has not only environmental importance but also tourism potential for our community,” they added.
Košnica Mostar provided young people with a platform for creative expression and new content. “Young people are thrilled and eager to participate in all of our future activities,” representatives from Košnica said.
The Youth Center Bugojno has been actively advocating for youth rights in rural areas. “We signed agreements with schools in remote areas, giving children access to education about their rights,” the Center emphasized, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities for all.
Through education and mentorship, BIWA has motivated women to engage in technical fields, while Košnica Mostar has expanded young people’s horizons with cultural events and workshops. “Cultural education was a key part of all our activities,” said representatives from Košnica.
“Our participants now have more self-confidence and clearer career goals,” BIWA noted.
The NGO We Love Čajniče launched a Youth Bank initiative in Čajniče, giving young people the opportunity to design and implement their own projects. “The reactions from young people were incredible—ideas kept pouring in one after another,” the organization highlighted.
The Youth Center Bugojno is preparing young people to be active participants in drafting the new youth strategy for the municipality of Bugojno.
“We see a strong desire among young people to get involved and contribute to the development of their community,” the Youth Center noted.
The associations agree that the key to success lies in mentorship and community collaboration.
Košnica pointed out that while time will reveal the true results, they have given young people a real chance to step toward a better future. At BIWA, they stressed that their mission is empowerment, and the changes they are bringing about are already visible. In Čajniče, there is pride and hope that the new adrenaline park will attract tourists and boost the local economy, while representatives of the Youth Center Bugojno said: “Young people from rural areas now have opportunities they never had before.”
These associations demonstrate the power of collective work, dedication, and belief in the potential of young people. Their successes are an inspiration for everyone who believes that change is possible with the right people and the right ideas.
Young people were deeply involved in all these projects. When asked about their reactions, association representatives emphasized the young people’s enthusiastic support and active participation.
The Youth Center Bugojno engaged young people in sports activities and intergenerational dialogue workshops, helping build bridges between different generations.
The success of these initiatives shows how local efforts can transform into sustainable projects that provide long-term benefits to communities. One of the key questions was how associations view the sustainability of their project results. Most emphasized that they have laid strong foundations for continued growth through collaboration with young people and local authorities. Projects like these not only drive change today but also ensure continuity through young people’s active participation and their growing sense of belonging to their communities.
These examples highlight just how crucial it is to continue supporting youth initiatives and youth organizations. Young people are not only transforming their communities—they are becoming key actors in creating a better future for everyone.
These activities are supported through the project “Designing, Developing and Adopting Youth Policies”, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT in partnership with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), the Youth Council of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Network of youth centers for animation, development and training of Republika Srpska (M.O.C.A.R.T.) and the Association of Secondary School Students in BiH.
