The Association for the General Care and Rights of Children “Naša djeca” (eng. Our Children) Zenica has been awarded the Youth Enabler prize for 2025, as part of the annual Youth Activism Award. This prize recognizes organizations that stand out in providing space, support, and opportunities for young people to actively participate in social processes, and “Naša djeca” is precisely that kind of organization.
What makes this story especially meaningful is that the initiative to apply for the award came directly from the children and youth who participate in the Association’s activities.
“They saw the call on social media, shared it among themselves, and suggested we apply. That energy came from them, which says a lot about our work with young people,” explains Ena Čaušević, Editor-in-Chief of Radio Active, the youth radio station operating under the Association.
Responsibility, Space, and Freedom: The Recipe for a Youth Enabler Award
“Naša djeca” Zenica has been active for over three decades, yet their work has never been static or formulaic. Their focus has always been on children and youth – their ideas, needs, talents, and dreams. All activities are provided free of charge and designed with active participation from young people who are not just participants, but also creators, leaders, and decision-makers.
“Young people are integrated into decision-making processes. Not just in programs, but also in shaping the organization’s strategy,” Ena noted. Coupled with strong collaboration with other organizations in the region and across Europe, this positions them among the rare organizations that maintain a local focus while exerting regional influence.
Youth Enabler Award: 2000 BAM in flexible funding
The Youth Enabler prize offers the Association both recognition and practical support through flexible funding. The organization decides how to use the award, whether for social projects, activities, or internal development. In the spirit of transparency and participation, “Naša djeca” ensures this decision involves the young people themselves.
“We already discussed options with young people during the application process. We asked them what we could do if we received the award, and they immediately started coming up with ideas. The funds will go exactly where they want them to. They will decide, because this award belongs to them too,” Ena says.
From mental health to cycling: What “Naša djeca” are doing today
By the end of the year, “Naša djeca” will deliver a variety of activities covering topics such as youth mental health, environmental protection, youth employment, and participation in decision-making. Recently, they organized the fourth Tour de Zenica, a cycling and tourism event combining sports, ecology, and education.
Through a project funded by the Federation of BiH Government, they are currently empowering young people to advocate for local change. “Together with young people, we try to map community problems and come up with concrete solutions,” Ena explains.
In addition, ongoing programs like the Children’s Parliament and the youth radio station Radio Active, the first community radio in Bosnia and Herzegovina, continue without interruption. A valuable asset for the local community is the Association’s production studio, which young bands and artists can use for rehearsals, recordings, and creative projects entirely free of charge, provided the content can be shared via the Association’s communication channels.
Plans for the future: Stay consistent and expand
“Naša djeca” does not plan drastic changes; they aim to continue on the same path, steadily, responsibly, and creatively. They hope to expand the Radio Active team, establish a Youth Parliament for those over 18 who have aged out of the children’s category, and apply to new public calls with fresh projects and initiatives.
“We want to remain a place where young people have space, freedom, and support to express themselves, grow, and make change happen,” Ena says.
Faith in change despite challenges
The NGO sector faces numerous challenges – from the departure of major donors to political pressures, and a societal shift where youth increasingly prioritize earning over volunteering – but a critical mass of young people still wants to create, advocate, and drive change.
“Sometimes it feels like nothing is happening, that we’re standing still. But if we change the life of even one young person, that’s already huge. That keeps us going,” Ena concludes.
For this reason, the Youth Enabler award went to the right hands. At “Naša djeca,” young people are not extras – they are writers, directors, and stars of the story.
Watch a short video about “Naša djeca” on our Instagram channel.
