Young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina face a multitude of challenges – from economic insecurity to social exclusion. In this context, the ongoing development of youth officers who work directly with youth organizations and youth workers in local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina is crucial. The basic training for youth officers in Bosnia and Herzegovina provides a platform for collaboration, skill building, and learning, allowing youth officers to improve the relationship between local governments and young people.
During the third training module, youth officers focused on youth policies, youth work, and human rights. Human rights education empowers youth officers to identify violations of young people’s rights and respond in accordance with legislative and ethical standards. Often, young people in BiH lack adequate resources or access to the information they need to exercise their rights. It is, therefore, crucial that youth officers are well-informed and trained to provide appropriate information and support to young people in the community.
“During this module, we were reminded of what youth policy is, its key elements, mechanisms, the application of the Law on Youth, the steps for creating a youth strategy, and how young people can be involved in the decision-making process at the local level. Another important topic we covered was human rights in theory and practice, and civil society and the youth sector. After analyzing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, we concluded that rights are directly affected by the current social, economic and political situation. “For me personally, the training provided guidelines on how to work with young people, how to develop youth policies, and how to create an environment that fosters the participation of young people and youth associations in the decision-making process,” said participant Naliha Šabanović, an employee of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo.
One of the main goals of this module is to empower youth officers to promote equality, inclusion, and active participation of all young people in society, incorporating these principles through the development and implementation of youth policies. Through the module, officers were introduced to the basic principles of human rights, and special issues important for developing effective youth policies. Through interactive workshops, case studies and examples from practice, youth officers learned how to improve the position of young people and protect their rights. The work of youth officers not only strengthens the position of young people but also promotes democratic values within the local community.
One of the participants, Amir Alispahić, a youth worker from Busovača, noted: “The training was extremely valuable and educational. I learned many new concepts and skills that I can now apply in working with youth in my community. I consider this program a key part of my professional development, as it provided me with essential knowledge and prepared me for the challenges ahead. The dynamics of the training and the variety of topics inspired me to further improve my skills, which will open up new opportunities for me in the future.”
In addition to regular sessions, the third module allowed participants to learn about the work of Perpetuum Mobile – the Institute for Youth and Community Development, and the programs they implement in collaboration with the City of Banja Luka. The participants also learned about the activities of youth centers during a tour of the Banja Luka Youth Center.”
Investing in the education of youth officers, with a focus on youth rights, is a key step toward building a fairer society for young people in BiH. This training empowers front-line youth workers, while they support young people in shaping their own future and fighting for their rights.
