As part of continuous efforts to improve the position of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Institute for Youth Development KULT organizes the Basic Training of Youth Officers. This training brings together representatives of local government units with the aim of improving their skills and knowledge in key areas that directly affect the work of local governments with young people. Youth officers are the link between young people, the youth sector and local government.
One of the key elements of the training is work on strengthening the capacity of officials for advocacy and lobbying. Through the fourth module, officials learned about effective strategies for representing the interests of young people and ensuring that the voice of young people is recognized in decision-making processes, and that local administrations adopt and implement measures that improve the work of administrations with young people. Special emphasis is placed on the skills needed to plan and implement an advocacy initiative.
” At the training for youth officers, among other things, we had the opportunity to elaborate on the topic of lobbying, different ways of lobbying and advocacy and their positive impact on the local community. In addition, as a participant, I had the opportunity to focus on political processes, which are key to a better understanding of how lobbying fits into the broader framework of decision-making and policy formation for a community. Political processes, which shape decision-making, must be strengthened and allow all citizens, especially young people, equal access to influencing the policies that shape their lives. The basic training of youth officers, which consists of 5 modules, will certainly help both professionally and privately. The exchange of good practices and experiences from other units of local self-government will help to improve the processes carried out by local communities, and the harmonization of programs and projects at the local level ,” said Begić Šehrudin, expert adviser for sports, culture and youth in the City of Bihać.
In order for youth-oriented programs and measures to be better recognized and accepted, another important segment of the training was dedicated to relations with the public. Participants learned how to strategically plan communication with the public, create a media campaign plan and use social networks to promote activities. It was emphasized that transparency and clear communication to the public increases trust in youth programs implemented by local governments. Officers analyzed examples of good practices, learned how to adapt messages to different target groups and use the example of positive stories about young people.
” For me, as an officer for youth and information of service users and non-governmental organizations in the Livno City Administration, participation in basic training represents an important step in professional development and strengthening of my skills. I do not consider this training to be a mere formality, but an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and competences that will significantly affect my work with young people in our city. For me, this training provides a basis for further personal growth and development. Through interactive exercises, I gained a better insight into the challenges that young people face, and the ways in which we, as officials in the local administration, can help them overcome those obstacles. This experience further motivated me to get actively involved in working with young people, because I know how important it is to create a basis for better cooperation and communication with young people. I believe that a better future for young people in Livno can only arise as a result of joint cooperation based on better understanding “, stated Mariana Brčić from Livno.
Through practical exercises, participants had the opportunity to simulate the preparation and implementation of a press conference, practicing the presentation of proposals and arguments that support the needs of young people in their communities.
The training provided the officers with practical tools and concrete guidelines on how to improve their work. In the long term, it is expected that these skills will contribute to a better articulation of the needs of young people, their involvement in decision-making processes and the promotion of positive changes in society.
This program shows that continuous investment in education and strengthening the support network are key to creating a society that truly listens to and empowers young people.
For many years, the KULT Institute for Youth Development has been organizing and implementing training programs for youth officials and certification of officials who work with young people in city, municipal/municipal and cantonal authorities. The training program consists of 120 working hours, divided into five mandatory modules that will be held in the period from June to December 2024 in different cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Awarding of certificates to successful participants will take place in December this year. The training is conducted with the consent of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Source: mladi.org
