In Banja Luka, young participants of the Learn, Think, and Act (UMiD19) training course, implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT, showed just how much impact a motivated group can have when they come together with a shared mission to help, inspire, and create change. A great example of this is Mia Selena Lerch and her Good Meals – Good Deeds! initiative, implemented in cooperation with Perpetuum Mobile.
It all started with a workshop at the Youth Center, where participants learned about volunteering, teamwork, and social responsibility. But the real magic happened when they took what they learned and put it into practice.
During a humanitarian campaign at the public kitchen “Meals from the Heart”, 20 volunteers prepared and distributed over 800 meals to people in need.
“I never imagined that a single day at a public kitchen would leave me with such a wonderful memory,” said one volunteer, with a smile that spoke volumes.
Mia Selena explained that the initiative didn’t just help those in need but was a transformative experience for participants themselves. It made young people realise how their ideas, energy, and empathy could make a real difference in their community.
The impact was immediately evident in Banja Luka: interest in volunteering grew, young people developed more empathy for those facing hardship, and the initiative received both media attention and institutional support.
Mia Selena noted that UMiD was key to the project’s success. “UMiD taught me how to turn an idea into real change, how to lead a team, plan activities, and communicate with the community. But most of all, it gave me the confidence to believe in myself and in the ability of young people to drive meaningful change.”
“Never underestimate the power of small activities with genuine good intentions. Every little kind word and a smile can make your day and change you. Sharing kindness makes the world a better place,” said Mia Selena.
This story is not just about providing meals. It’s a story about kindness that brings people together, about young people who believe that change can start with a single day, one idea, and one act that comes from the heart.
Learn, Think and Act! (UMiD) is a three-month training program implemented by the Institute for Youth Development KULT. The program consists of three modules and ten units designed to help young people become active members of society and leaders in their communities. The nineteenth cohort of UMiD in 2025 included ten young participants from ten different communities across BiH.
