Last week, a monitoring visit was conducted within the project “Youth clubs and school workshops for better health, environmental protection and peaceful and non-violent coexistence,” implemented with the support of Marie Eberth Stiftung, during which we had the opportunity to host colleagues from CARE Germany.
The visit was organized with the aim of reviewing the project’s progress to date, exchanging experiences among partner organizations, and jointly planning upcoming activities. Over several days, we visited Belgrade, Mostar, and Sarajevo, where together with our partners we had the opportunity to learn more about the activities young people are implementing through youth clubs and school workshops.
Through discussions with young people, facilitators, and representatives of partner organizations, it was reaffirmed how important it is to create safe spaces where young people can develop their ideas, critical thinking, and sense of belonging within their communities. Through these activities, young people are given the opportunity to actively engage with topics that affect their everyday lives from healthy lifestyles to the promotion of non-violence, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
In Belgrade, we attended a school tournament organized by Centar E8, where young people promoted values of cooperation, mutual respect, and non-violent communication through sports and team spirit. This activity once again demonstrated how sport can serve as an important tool for connecting young people and strengthening positive social values.
The visit to Sarajevo was dedicated to a creative workshop with young people organized by the Institute for Population and Development. Through interactive work and open dialogue, participants had the opportunity to express their views, ideas, and perspectives on the social challenges they face, as well as to jointly reflect on ways they can contribute to positive change in their communities.
In Mostar, we met with the partner organization SPIN and long-standing members of the Budi Muško Klub. The exchange of experiences and reflections highlighted the importance of continuous investment in youth work and a long-term approach that fosters trust, support, and active youth participation in society.
As the project is currently at its midpoint, the monitoring visit provided an important opportunity to review achievements, identify challenges, and further strengthen partnerships among organizations in the region. At the same time, the visit once again confirmed that young people, when given support and space to act, can be powerful drivers of positive change and key actors in building healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
Donor: Marie Eberth Stiftung
Project location: Mostar, Sarajevo and Belgrade
Partners organization: Center E8 – Belgrade, Institution for Population and Development – Sarajevo, SPIN – Mostar
Supported by
