Project name: Let’s debate change
Project duration: 01/01/2024 – 31/12/2024
Donor: Swiss Development organization ”Solidar Suisse”
Budget: 47.000,00 EUR / 91.924,00 BAM
Applicant: Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar
Description: The project “Let’s Debate Change” is aimed at high school students and aims to increase youth engagement in public advocacy and initiate change in three cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Čapljina, Konjic, and Mostar, with the support of local authorities. LDA Mostar plans to involve more than 120 young people in these three cities. The project will initiate the establishment of debate clubs focused on developing advocacy skills and critical thinking.
After the members of the clubs acquire the necessary skills and conduct an analysis of the needs of young people in their local communities, they will present their observations, conclusions, and proposed solutions to the City Councils, City Assemblies, and other relevant institutions. Students will also have the opportunity to develop projects based on research into the needs of young people, and some of these projects will be funded through the project’s grant scheme.
This approach allows young people to actively participate in shaping solutions for their communities, contributing to positive changes at the local level.
Project goals: Enhancing engagement of young people in advocacy and creating effective change in three cities with the support of local governments.
Specific goals: Young people in three cities have developed their debating skills thus enhancing their citizens’ participation and cooperation with local governments.
Target groups: High school students (120 in total) in targeted cities and community members who will benefit from local improvement projects designed by students.