Did you know there’s currently an open call for local civil initiatives?
Wondering why you should apply? Read on for two inspiring and motivating stories that sparked change in Zavidovići and Čapljina after the Red Cross of Zavidovići and the organization Hrvatska mreža domoljuba (Croatian Patriots Network) applied to a call like this one. Then click the LINK to submit your own initiative!
The initiatives in Zavidovići and Čapljina, implemented with the financial support of the European Union, once again demonstrated young people’s enthusiasm for creating spaces for themselves and their peers based on their actual needs.
Zavidovići: What did young leaders achieve?
In Zavidovići, where young people are searching for their place in the world, a spark of change emerged called “Young Leaders.”
This initiative included educational workshops for youth and a fascinating panel discussion. The discussion brought together women working in male-dominated professions who push boundaries daily – a police officer, a Red Cross official, and a mayor. Young people had the chance to discuss what it’s like being a woman in a world that often makes women’s lives difficult while also talking about achievements, courage, and the changes these women have brought about.
“The panel discussion left a strong impression on me and all the young participants. We finally got to speak directly with women who are breaking down barriers and stereotypes. This panel was hugely inspiring for my continued education, advancement and community engagement. I’m also thrilled that as a young person, I got to moderate the panel discussion,” said Elma Sojkić, volunteer and activist.
Particularly motivating was the mayor’s announcement that an IT HUB will soon be built in Zavidovići and a Youth Office will be established. This news left young people thrilled and further encouraged them to actively participate in their local community.
The initiative also included educational workshops about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political system and electoral processes. Since most participants were minors who hadn’t yet had the chance to vote, these workshops were a great opportunity for them to learn about civic rights and how they can have their say in shaping society. The second workshop focused on how Youth Councils work and how organizations and foundations are formed and why.
“These project workshops were fascinating and incredibly educational. We learned so much about the political system, how elections work, and what rights young people have under the FBiH Youth Law. What really stood out to me was how important it is to build stronger youth organizations – that’s what gives us the power and confidence to take on future challenges and make real contributions to our communities. I think this kind of training is essential for empowering young people and getting them genuinely engaged in making positive social change,” said Kenan Fehrić, who leads the Red Cross Youth chapter in Zavidovići.
These activities helped young people understand how to turn ideas into reality and make the most of the rights guaranteed under the Federation of BiH Youth Law.
Čapljina: Building bridges
In Čapljina, the “Bridges for Youth” initiative brought young people from Čapljina and Podhum together to work on environmental protection, explore their cultural heritage, and build stronger social ties.
The young participants planted trees, talked through the challenges they face, visited natural landmarks and historic sites, and spent time getting to know each other to create a support network. This gave them opportunities to really listen to one another, share ideas, and discover they weren’t facing their problems alone.
The project demonstrated how small actions can create big changes, and working together motivated participants to keep making a difference.
The initiative produced tangible results, too. Walnut trees were planted around the old school in Podhum, and olive trees were planted on Gradina hill in Čapljina. Young people have become more engaged in environmental and cultural preservation efforts, and there’s a stronger sense of community and mutual support among local youth. This is just the beginning and the group plans to continue working together.
“This initiative proved to me that young people really can create meaningful change in our communities. I discovered how crucial it is to connect with others and work as a team,” said Marko Škipina, president of the Čaplja Youth Association.
These activities are part of 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.
