Story of Jovan Janković
In our next story about volunteers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will talk about a volunteer from Gradiška, Jovan Janković. Jovan graduated from the Public Institution “Gymnasium” Gradiška and is now engaged in freelancing. In addition to high school, he was involved in web design and successfully completed the IT Academy, “Java Script development”. In addition to all his obligations, Jovan is also a volunteer of the Association Most from Gradiška.
Although I found out about volunteering and the opportunities it brings in elementary school, it was only at the end of high school that I became a volunteer myself. Many of my friends have volunteered in associations but I have never been interested in it. Then everything changed when I accidentally went on an exchange to the Czech Republic as a replacement for my friend who had university obligations. On this exchange, I have met fantastic people with whom I am still in contact today.
Jovan got his first volunteer experience on an exchange in Croatia in Ozalj, which took place only fifteen days before the exchange in the Czech Republic.
I am not one of the volunteers who has gone through many trainings and programs. I tried to educate myself. So, I perfected my 3D modeling and 3D printing skills. These skills helped me with the project implementation in our local community, but also offered me an additional resource in my career.
Through volunteering, I realized that the most important thing is the willingness to learn, an open mind and the people around you. I don’t think young people should judge others. Rather, let’s choose the side on which we support each other and motivate each other to new victories.
Volunteering as a term has a special place in my life. It taught me a very important life lesson. It is much nicer to help by volunteering than to ask for help. Being a volunteer is a beautiful thing. In addition to new acquaintances, friends, a job opportunity, it offers you a reason to have a smile on your face.
There are other young people in Jovan’s surroundings who, together with him, volunteer and build a better and more accessible local community.
I am satisfied with the response and interest of young people. I think that together we all invest a lot to bring volunteering closer to others and try to offer them the opportunity to build them even further.
The pandemic did not slow them down, although it made the process of organizing activities and gathering young people more difficult. He is not entirely certain what the future holds, but he is sure he will continue to volunteer.
In a couple of years, I still see myself as a volunteer, doing the most beautiful job in the whole world. By being a volunteer.
