In communities where conversations frequently center around departures, the ones who stay are rarely mentioned. And even less is said about those who, despite everything, choose to take action. Such stories come from Glamoč and Bosanska Krupa—two places with completely different dynamics, yet sharing the exact same question: what can young people change in the places where they live?
Glamoč – A Town That Waits and Youth Who Refuse To
Covering one of the largest geographical areas among municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Glamoč today is a nearly empty space. It is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 residents live in the entire municipality, with some villages inhabited by just a handful of people. Many locals describe daily life as an existence caught between waiting and leaving. Yet, there are young people in Glamoč. And they want more from the environment they are growing up in—they want the environment to grow with them.
They were given the opportunity to speak up and reflect on their community through the Volunteer Community (Zajednica volontera) program, organized by the Local Democracy Agency Mostar.
“Young people usually have very few chances to be active. The authorities are uninterested and do not hear us as much as they should. This activity has opened my eyes—I realized just how many problems this community faces,” says Velid Mujkić, one of the participants.
However, the core of this story lies not just in vocalizing the problems, but in the fact that these young people have started looking for solutions.
Working in groups with mentor support, they research and analyze their community's needs, turning them into concrete ideas—small initiatives, local actions, and events that can spark change, even if modest at first. One of the initiatives they are already discussing is finding and establishing a dedicated youth space—a center that would become a hub for gathering, learning, and collective action. In a context like Glamoč, even steps like these carry significant weight.
Bosanska Krupa: Energy Seeking a Direction
Unlike Glamoč, Bosanska Krupa moves to a different rhythm. It is a city with more movement, more people, and greater potential. Nevertheless, the challenge remains the same—how to channel youth energy into concrete action.
Therefore, rather than initiating a process, the “Volunteer Community” program in Bosanska Krupa guides it.
Through joint work, discussions, and information exchange, young people learn how to identify real issues in the community, align their own ideas with the needs of others, and develop initiatives that can engage a wider circle of people.
One of the issues they identified is waste management and environmental preservation. As a result, they are already developing ideas for ecological actions and awareness-raising activities centered on protecting the Una River as their community's vital natural resource.
It is precisely in environments like this that the reality becomes clear: young people already possess the energy, but they need support to transform it into action. This was recognized by the local association “Generacije” (Generations), which provided strong support in implementing the activities and creating a space where youth can speak openly, develop ideas, and actively contribute to their community.
“It is immensely important for young people to have opportunities that offer active inclusion in initiatives aimed at improving the social community. The benefit for youth through such opportunities is reflected in the chance to develop their own liflong learning competences, while for the community, it represents an investment in future generations whose actions create a quality and humane society for all,” emphasizes Almira Šertović, president of the association.
The Scope of Youth Activities
The activities implemented by the Local Democracy Agency Mostar through the Volunteer Community are part of the Dialogue for the Future 3 (DFF3) project. This project is implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, and UNESCO, in cooperation with the UN Resident Coordinator, and in partnership with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project is funded by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund.
In practice, this program offers young people a simple yet vital process: gathering, talking, analyzing problems, and developing ideas.
Together, the youth identify challenges in their community, separate what is truly important from everyday frustrations, and design initiatives they can either advocate for with local authorities or implement through volunteer actions. Concurrently, they develop key skills—public speaking, advocacy, teamwork, and mutual understanding—with the expert support and mentorship provided by LDA Mostar.
Why It Matters
In other words, they are learning how to be active citizens rather than mere bystanders. Project Coordinator Maja Vejzović-Voloder emphasizes: “When you give young people a chance to speak, they don't stop at words—they look for solutions. Our goal is to support them in turning those ideas into concrete initiatives that have a long-term impact on the community.”
In Glamoč, this means awakening the belief that change is possible at all. In Bosanska Krupa, it means channeling the energy that is already there. In both cases, the essence remains the same: giving young people space and trust. Because change does not happen on its own; it begins the moment someone decides to set it in motion.
