From July 16th to 23rd, 2025, Sarajevo hosted the Youth Exchange “Youth4Values”, bringing together young participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Greece, and Spain.
The project was organized and hosted by BRAVO – Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities, within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
The youth exchange gathered motivated young people aged 16–30, providing them with a space to learn, exchange ideas, and explore the importance of active citizenship, democracy, and political participation.
Through non-formal education methods, participants had the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of European values and their role in shaping democratic societies.
Learning Through Activities and Dialogue
During the exchange, participants engaged in a variety of interactive workshops, discussions, simulations, and group activities focused on the principles of democracy and civic engagement.
One of the key program days focused on active citizenship and community engagement. Participants explored ways in which young people can contribute to their communities and become more involved in decision-making processes. A guest speaker, Alma Fejzić from CROA, shared her experience in managing projects aimed at empowering youth, parents, and educators, inspiring participants to think about their own initiatives for social change.
Another important theme of the exchange was freedom of speech and democratic dialogue. Through a group simulation activity, participants experienced the complexity of democratic decision-making processes, including challenges such as polarization, leadership dynamics, and the role of active and passive participants in discussions. The session concluded with reflections on the responsibility of individuals in shaping societal change.
Discovering Sarajevo
The youth exchange also included a city tour of Sarajevo, giving participants the opportunity to explore the cultural and historical richness of the city. Through this experience, participants learned more about the city’s complex history, collective memory, and the importance of peace and coexistence in multicultural societies.
Sarajevo once again proved to be a city full of lessons and inspiration for young people coming from different parts of Europe.
Sharing Perspectives and Experiences
During the later stages of the exchange, participants presented national perspectives on youth participation and civic engagement in their respective countries. These presentations allowed participants to compare different systems, challenges, and opportunities related to youth involvement in society.
Through dialogue and collaboration, participants developed a deeper understanding of how democratic participation can be strengthened at both local and European levels.
The final day of the exchange was marked by reflections, evaluations, and emotional farewells. Although the program came to an end, the knowledge gained, friendships built, and inspiration shared continue to live on as participants returned home motivated to remain active and engaged citizens.
Dissemination Through Video
As part of the project’s dissemination activities, BRAVO produced a dissemination video documenting the Youth Exchange “Youth4Values” in Sarajevo.
The video highlights key moments from the exchange, including:
- interactive workshops and group discussions,
- team-building activities and simulations,
- interviews and testimonials from participants,
- presentations and collaborative work,
- and the overall atmosphere of intercultural learning.
Through this video, viewers can gain insight into the learning process, experiences of participants, and the impact of the project, while also promoting the importance of youth engagement in democratic processes.
About the Youth4Values Project
The Youth4Values project aims to support active citizenship and political participation among young people from different European regions. The project encourages the development of social and intercultural competencies, critical thinking, and transversal skills, while raising awareness about European identity and democratic values.
By bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds, Youth4Values creates opportunities for dialogue, cooperation, and learning, empowering participants to take an active role in their communities and contribute to the development of inclusive and democratic societies.
More activities within the Youth4Values project are planned in the future, continuing to encourage young people across Europe to become active and responsible citizens.