“Youth With No Barriers”: A story about youth cooperation

"Youth With No Barriers " project of the European Union in BiH, which was implemented in four cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, came to end today in Sarajevo. During the events in Ljubuški, Kakanj, Ugljevik and Prnjavor, which brought together young people from these and neighbouring municipalities and cities, an effort was made to discuss EU integration and values through panel discussions, art workshops and performances, but also to connect young people from these areas in joint activities.

Project participants from Banja Luka, Prnjavor, Tuzla, Ugljevik, Mostar, Ljubuški, Sarajevo and East Sarajevo gathered today in Sarajevo and enjoyed the final event, together with representatives of partner organizations that participated in the project.

"In our Association, we especially like to do these kinds of activities, because through them we express our desire for togetherness, tolerance and a society that does not discriminate against young people and other citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is particularly commendable because through these activities, more space is given for young people to say what they think, but especially for artists to leave their personal mark through plays, painting or music and indicate the presence of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Suzana Dušanić, youth coordinator of the ORC Tuzla youth group.

The aim of the project was to involve and educate young people through cultural workshops that examine different art forms. The workshops were led by experienced professionals and included street art, painting, music and theatre. Special focus was placed on the importance of youth activism in strengthening democracy and initiating positive social transformation. This project was an excellent opportunity for young people to spend a day in a different way and to get acquainted with a new art form for them, as well as to meet young people from other places. The final event in Sarajevo highlighted the achievements of the young people who participated in the project and showed their skills in music, flashmob and stand up.

"It gives me great pleasure that after the successful event in Ljubuški, we can share our enthusiasm and energy with the people of Sarajevo. We appreciate the European Union's support for our work and are extremely grateful that you recognized that investing in youth and culture is one of the key steps towards European standards. We believe that culture and art have a special way of influencing changes in the community," said Sabahudin Gluhović, a professional theatre performer from Mostar.

#YouthWithNoBarriers not only provided a platform for creative expression, but also stimulated dialogue about European integration and the importance of young people in that process.

"Our goal is to provide young people with a new, different channel of expression and open the door to a creative, symbolic and imaginative world where they can express and present problems using different techniques, while being culturally and artistically aware. That is why it is our honour and pleasure to participate and support a project like "Youth With No Barriers ". We are extremely glad that we came to a wonderful city like Sarajevo and that we got the opportunity to spend time with like-minded and young people with strong attitudes. Definitely a wonderful experience that brings with it unforgettable memories as well as acquaintances and friendships for a lifetime", concluded Anja Banjac from the DiS Youth Theater of Banjaluka.

With this project, the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to support initiatives that contribute to connecting young people and youth activism. "Youth With No Barriers " is implemented with the participation of non-governmental organizations. Young people from 14 municipalities and cities participated in the project.