Sponsor Bosnian-Herzegovinian youth to build peace

During July and August, a range of activities focused on exploring different cultures and life experiences was implemented. Through presentations about countries around the world, young people had the opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, while meetings with volunteers and guests provided opportunities for direct exchange of experiences. At the same time, activities such as karaoke, quizzes, cooking together, photo walks, and the Eco Club offered young people opportunities to express their creativity, socialize, develop teamwork skills, and engage in non-formal learning.

An important part of the work during this period was connecting young people with the wider community. Meetings with parents, a discussion with the Mayor of Sanski Most Municipality, and the presentation of the Youth Day Centre’s work to citizens on the occasion of International Youth Day were organized. These activities contributed to strengthening cooperation with parents and the local community, increasing the visibility of the Centre’s work, and encouraging young people to participate more actively in social life.

In September, special emphasis was placed on involving young people in the preparation and implementation of Peace Week, which lasted seven days and included a wide range of educational, creative, cultural, and community activities. The programme brought together young people, representatives of various organizations, educators, volunteers, and citizens, providing opportunities for sharing experiences, learning, and building connections.

As part of Peace Week, various lectures and workshops were organized on topics related to peace, dialogue, nonviolence, environmental protection, and building sustainable relationships within the community. A special place was given to the collaborative creation of the Wall of Peace, where young people expressed their understanding of peace, tolerance, solidarity, and the world they wish to live in through drawings and messages. The programme also included a fair featuring local products and handicrafts, a concert, and performances by cultural and artistic societies, further promoting cultural diversity, tradition, and togetherness.

By actively participating in the preparation and implementation of the programme, young people had the opportunity to develop organizational and communication skills, cooperate with people from different backgrounds, and explore various approaches to peacebuilding. Peace Week further contributed to promoting the values of peace, solidarity, mutual respect, and active participation in the local community.

In October, in cooperation with the Institute for Youth Development KULT, CIM organized a panel discussion focused on young people and their needs, challenges, and opportunities for participation in the local community. The discussion brought together young people, the Mayor of Sanski Most, representatives of institutions and organizations working with young people, including the Centre for Social Work, as well as youth workers from other municipalities. The panel provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives, discuss the challenges faced by young people, and strengthen cooperation among local stakeholders working to improve the position of young people in the community.

During the past three months, the Center for Peacebuilding has successfully implemented a wide range of educational, intercultural, and personal development activities aimed at empowering young people and encouraging their active participation in society.

In February, a group of young people participated in an international training course in Spain through the RISE project. The training focused on climate change, environmental awareness, and youth engagement in sustainability initiatives. Participants gained valuable knowledge, exchanged experiences with peers from different countries, and strengthened their capacity to contribute to environmental action within their local communities.

One of the highlights of this period was a study visit to Banja Luka, organized by the OSCE. During the visit, young participants had the opportunity to visit different religious institutions, including a synagogue, a mosque, and churches. They met with representatives of each community, learned about their traditions, values, and roles within society, and engaged in meaningful discussions that promoted mutual understanding, respect, and interfaith dialogue.

Center for Peacebuilding also organized a study visit to Mostar, where participants explored the cultural and historical heritage of this unique region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The visit provided young people with an opportunity to learn more about the country's diversity, history, and natural beauty while strengthening social connections among participants.

At our Center, we developed and launched a summer program designed to offer meaningful activities and learning opportunities throughout the season. As part of this program, we initiated a series of workshops on Nonviolent Communication. These workshops aim to help young people develop effective communication skills, strengthen empathy, improve conflict resolution abilities, and build healthier relationships.

In addition, young people continue to have the opportunity to attend weekly guitar lessons, providing them with a creative outlet and an opportunity to develop new artistic skills.

To further promote we encourage greater youth participation, our team visited local schools where we conducted presentations and interactive workshops. These visits enabled us to introduce students to the CIM's activities, engage them in discussions, and invite them to become active members of our programs.

We were also pleased to host students from the United World College (UWC) Mostar. This visit allowed young people from our Center for Peacebuilding to meet and interact with students from diverse backgrounds, exchange experiences, and learn more about educational opportunities and intercultural cooperation.

Furthermore, representatives of the organizations Youth Initiative for Human Rights (YIHR) and Oštra Nula visited us and facilitated several workshops focusing on genocide awareness, human rights, and dealing with the past. These sessions encouraged critical thinking, dialogue, and a deeper understanding of the importance of peacebuilding and reconciliation.

We were also visited by representatives of EUFOR, who expressed their interest in establishing future cooperation with our organization. This visit provided an opportunity to present our work, discuss potential joint activities, and explore ways of supporting youth engagement and community development.

Another valuable contribution to our program came through the visit of the French Institute and the organization Education Builds Democracy. Together, they organized a series of workshops for young people focusing on democracy, civic participation, and art as a tool for expression and social change. These interactive sessions encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and active citizenship among participants.

Through all these activities, Center for Peacebuilding continues to provide a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where young people can learn, connect, develop new skills, and actively contribute to building a more tolerant, democratic, and peaceful society. The diversity of activities implemented during this period reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting youth development, intercultural dialogue, human rights education, and active citizenship.