There is no local community in Bosnia and Herzegovina that does not have problems. However, instead of dreaming about a perfect society, you should “take things into your own hands” and start building the local community with your activism, making it a better place to live.
This is the idea of the youth leader from Busovaca gathered around the Association “Princip”. When several of them decided to establish an association in February 2020, they had only one goal – to start solving the problem. This group of young people realized that the changes they want to see in their city are in their hands. Instead of waiting for things to change on their own, they took the initiative and started working to realize their visions.
“We were all active in the Association of High School Students in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Red Cross, and we realized that with the experience we have, we can contribute more to the community if we establish an association that will help us create content for young people and solve problems in the city,” says Muhamed Mekic, president of the Youth Association “Princip” for Local Works.
One of the first actions they initiated was the arrangement of the picnic area on Skradno in the fall of 2020. From the neglected environment around the villages of Merdani and Skradno, they have made a picnic area where you can now rest your body, soul, and eyes. The locals also helped them in arranging the picnic area and the lake, sending the message that with the power of the local people, they can change their environment for the better.
In addition to decorating the lake and its surroundings, a decorative bridge was built over the lake, and tables and chairs intended for picnics were installed. Over time, the seating area was also covered, drinking water was brought in, football and volleyball courts were arranged, and nets, goals and swings were installed for the youngest visitors.
“This noteworthy eco-project has been recognized and supported by numerous partners and donors, such as: Mozaik Foundation, USAID, PRO-Future and CRS, the Busovaca Municipality and the Youth Council of the Busovaca Municipality,” Mekic points out.
After the renovation, the lake became a popular picnic spot that all residents of Busovaca like to visit, both young people and families with children.
In less than three years of work, the young members of “Princip” have achieved a lot. The year 2021 was definitely marked by the “Youth in Focus” project. Over 500 young people took part in activities that were implemented in 3 municipalities. The presentations included students from grades 7 to 9. The children discussed about peaceful resolution of conflicts, breaking prejudices, reconciliation, activism. The table tennis tournament “Busovaca OPEN 2021” was held. The project had a positive impact on the participants, but also on the entire community.
“We gathered Bosniak and Croat children in the newly built amphitheater. In addition to the educational presentation, we organized a game that could only be completed by teamwork. After the game, the children saw that communication and cooperation are an important part of solving any problem,” Mekic points out.
There is another important project behind them: “Together for the Future”, which gathered more than 200 young people, and one of the most important topics they discussed was the problem of “two schools under one roof”.
“The „Together for the Future“ project is definitely an important segment of our development, as well as the development of all participants. It lasted over a year, and during that period we constantly had activities in several municipalities. It was this project that encouraged many young people to get involved in socially responsible work,” says Mekic with pride.
Last year was dedicated to the women of Busovaca. At the workshops and presentations that gathered around 200 girls in secondary schools, the goal was to raise awareness of the existence of violence against women and girls, to inform and educate them about gender equality and women’s rights.
At the beginning of June, a Social Day was held during which 21 young people had the opportunity to volunteer in 17 companies and service facilities. Young people got the opportunity to meet different industries, gain invaluable experience and skills that will help them in their future professional development.
We have become an inspiration to young people
Since the establishment of the Association, young people from “Princip” have been working on cleaning and beautifying the city. Last year, they planted 2,500 tree seedlings, installed benches for players at the Jehovac stadium near Kiseljak, as well as concrete tables for table tennis in the schoolyards in Merdani, Kacuni and Busovaca, which are available to children as well as adults. Camps for young people are regularly organized at Skradno.
“However, I am personally most proud of the fact that we have become an inspiration to young people, that it only takes initiative and an enthusiastic team of young people to change most of what bothers us in society,” explains Mekic.
Due to its work, which is already recognizable outside of Busovaca, the Association has the support of both local authorities and numerous non-governmental organizations and foundations, which facilitates their work. They also received offices for use from the Busovaca Municipality, as well as regular financial support.
Today, the Association has 30 active members, and one of them is the young actor Emrah Halilovic. He has been a member of “Princip” for more than two years, where he started his volunteer journey. Over time, he started volunteering in other associations, but for him “Princip” is his first volunteer love. He has several roles in the Association: he leads workshops, is often a lecturer on many topics, and often helps in the implementation of projects and seminars.
““Princip“ is very important in our local community because it includes and affirms all young people who want to be part of this organization, it provides us with opportunities for advancement, education, but it also contributes to the local community in various other ways, because as part of our activities we often decorate some parts of the city which, to put it simply, are neglected,” says Emrah.
The doors of the Association are open to anyone who wants to contribute to the local community and that is what, from the perspective of volunteers, sets this Association apart. At a time when more than 50% of young people want to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina, those who decide to turn their dissatisfaction into socially useful action are a real refreshment.
“Change starts with us” – this is the best evidence of this Association, which will continue to organize actions, workshops and other activities with the aim of improving the quality of life in its local community.
Through their dedication, these young people become an example that shows how to fight for their country and future. Their vision and work strengthen the hope that a better tomorrow can be achieved if each of us takes responsibility for our environment and acts.
Their vision is best reflected in the words they used to invite their fellow citizens to celebrate their second birthday together.
“We work primarily for Busovaca, we are its children. We are proud of each other. You too have reason to be proud of us. Let’s be a support for each other, not a stumbling block”.
This article was written thanks to the generous support of the American people through the “Local Works” program of the United States Agency for International Development in Bosnia and Herzegovina (USAID). The contents of the publication are under the exclusive liability of its author and “Network for Building Peace”. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the US Government.
