BRAVO STORIES

„During my time on a project Be socially (PRO)active I truly had a great time full of positive experiences and memories. At first, I admit, I was a little bit hesitant, since this is my first Bravo project and I did not know what to expect. As soon as I started to meet other people, firstly my Bosnian team fellows, I encountered the most exceptional young welcoming people

From October 14th to 19th, 2024, the world will once again unite to celebrate the Erasmus+ programme during the 8th edition of Erasmus Days. This international event invites students, teachers, trainers, professionals and citizens everywhere to engage in activities that promote the Erasmus+ programme, sharing its many benefits and showcasing its impact on education, youth and personal development.

We’re beyond thrilled to announce that EuRuKo (European Ruby Konferenz) is coming to Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024! Since 2003, EuRuKo has been the ultimate gathering for Ruby enthusiasts across Europe, and this year, we’re making history with the first-ever Ruby conference in Bosnia and Herzegovina!

On Sunday, July 28, 2024, we held a competition called “Youth Entrepreneurial Ideas”. The event took place as part of the Nomad Fest on the beautiful Bjelašnica mountain. This unique festival brought together young entrepreneurs from the region and beyond, who had the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to a panel of experts and an audience. The contestants showcased exceptional creativity and enthusiasm, with teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina standing out the most, taking all three top places.

U nedjelju, 14. 07. 2024., uz podršku organizacije BRAVO BiH , svečano je otvoren šestodnevni ljetni kamp za članove Huskies Basketball Academy Sarajevo. Kamp se održava na predivnoj lokaciji, Sportsko-rekreativnom centru Ajdinovići, gdje će članovi svakodnevno uživati u raznovrsnim aktivnostima i sadržajima.

In the month of May, we witnessed numerous events and achievements! Read on to learn about the busy month we had!

“I’m delighted to say that this was my first Youth Exchange. I had the nicest time ever on this youth exchange, meeting people from other cultures and learning about their cuisine. In addition, I met a diverse spectrum of people with whom I will always have memorable memories.”

This Erasmus+ Youth Exchange is currently being implemented and let us tell you something – it is truly a MasterChef TV show. Young participants are working in intercultural environment while learning about traditional recipes, other cultures, being connected by one out of many things – food!

The experience of traveling, meeting new people, and exchanging opinions have opened new perspectives for me in the future. The self-advocate of Sumer, Amar Pašić, had the opportunity to attend the seven-day training of the Erasmus+ program “Development of Cooperation in Youth Projects” for young activists and youth mobility held in Gaziantep, Turkey, organized by BRAVO.

The Youth Exchange “Focus on Sport for Environmental Sustainability” was held from the 1st to the 8th of May and it gathered 36 young participants from BiH, Lithuania, Romania, Ukraine, and Türkiye. The project was designed to educate and empower young people by highlighting the crucial role sports can play in promoting environmental sustainability.

A dart was thrown at the BRAVO map, and it landed on Armenia! Our participants made their way straight to Abovyan, an ancient gem that hides in plain sight. They are currently working their way through the entire experience that we are about to share with you.

As I wandered through Tirana’s vibrant streets alongside artists from across the Balkans, we embarked on a collective mission to create short movies that would spotlight both the social challenges and cultural affinities shared among our nations. From the iconic modern pyramid to the historic landmarks scattered throughout the city, each frame captured through our lenses served as a testament to the rich tapestry of Balkan identity.

Being able to share my work and ideas in a big European country was amazing. The seminar in Ommen, the Netherlands, after the training in Armenia, was fantastic. I got to catch up with old friends and make new ones, all while enjoying the beauty of the country and the lovely city of Ommen.

From February 24th until March 3rd, a Youth Forum was organized for youth workers and high schools from all across Europe. Children’s Village Pestalozzi in Trogen, Switzerland hosted a project with interactive workshops, designed to cover topics such as youth involvement in peacebuilding, fighting prejudices, and self-expression.

International Day of Happiness, celebrated on March 20th each year, serves as a global reminder of the importance of happiness and well-being in the lives of individuals worldwide. Even while pursuing pleasure is sometimes viewed as a personal objective, its importance goes well beyond the level of the individual. Growing awareness of the connection between happiness and social well-being in recent years has led to the integration of activism and happiness promotion on this important day by a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Participating in the Training course “From Rural to Plural” in Bran, Romania, was an enriching experience. We met a lot of interesting people from different countries, like Albania, Armenia, Czechia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Palestine, Türkiye, Ukraine and Romania. They represented their countries well and also showed us their cultures and habits. Meeting diverse individuals from around the world and exchanging knowledge was truly inspiring.

Participation in the Training Course “Colors of Europe” in Vilnius, Lithuania, was an unforgettable experience that will forever shape my worldview. This unique opportunity not only broadened my horizons but also provided me with valuable knowledge and skills that I can actively apply both in my personal life and my professional engagement with young people.

BRAVO brings you exciting news! After successfully implementing not 1 but 2 modules of the Winter Academy, next on the list is the third module! The third module will cover the importance of intercultural communication for young people. As always, the module will be held online, so there’s no excuse not to tune in!

After successfully wrapping up the first module, we are back for another one! The second module presents one unique opportunity for you to learn more about media literacy and overall enhance your critical thinking skills! We provide you with quality and flexibility as you can attend this module and get high-quality education from the comfort of your home!

BRAVO u suradnji sa UG Može bolje sa ponosom najavljuje trening pod nazivom ‘’Trening za pisanje EU projekata’’, koji će biti vođen od strane Ismaila Šehića, direktora BRAVO organizacije, direktora i osnivača Fondacije poduzetnika u BiH i Brain Tank CEO. Kroz ovaj petodnevni seminar koji će se održati u prostorijama Hotela Salis u Tuzli, od 04.03. do 08.03., polaznici će steći vještine neophodne sa kvalitetno pisanje i apliciranje EU projekata.

BRAVO is organizing the First Winter Academy which will be held online. The First Winter Academy presents perfect opportunity for young people to become part of a great story and the best part is that you can take part in it from the comfort of your home! The main goal of the Winter Academy is to give young people the opportunity to improve various skills and engage in intercultural dialogue.

This Erasmus+ project is all about empowering rural communities and transforming them into comprehensive, inclusive, resilient, and self-sustaining youth ecosystems. Young people are being empowered to unleash their imagination and use it for the best purpose to envision and create a better future! You are probably wondering, what do we mean by ‘’better future’’?

’Being part of Youth Exchange “Inter Civilizational Culinary Arts From Anatolia to Europe” was very charming. Almost the entire project felt like a part of a Masterchef TV show. In a completely intercultural environment, we had a chance to learn about traditional recipes, other cultures, and habits… and confirmed the thesis that FOOD CONNECTS PEOPLE

BRAVO, Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities, s ponosom objavljuje da ulazi u novu godinu s izuzetnim partnerstvom, potpisavši sporazum o suradnji sa Savezom organizacija za podršku osobama s intelektualnim teškoćama FBiH SUMERO. Ovaj sporazum predstavlja značajan korak naprijed u našoj misiji podrške i osnaživanja osoba s intelektualnim teškoćama, te potvrđuje našu posvećenost unaprjeđenju ljudskih prava i inkluzije u društvu.

’Participating in the Erasmus project was an enriching experience filled with vibrant energy and intellect. The opportunity allowed me to connect with a diverse group of young, brilliant minds, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and cultures. The sense of friendship and shared enthusiasm created lasting memories, making my Erasmus journey truly exceptional.

Participating in the “Go Healthy” Erasmus+ project in Riga was truly eye-opening. The project aimed to enhance mental well-being and tackle the stigma surrounding mental health issues, promoting the social inclusion of young people. Throughout the exchange, we delved into the concept of a healthy lifestyle

This was my first Erasmus+ project and it intrigued me to go on many more and find out what they have to offer. The focus on exploring differences and similarities between our two cultures made me realize how alike we are and that we share a certain togetherness. I found it very nice that despite language barriers we as participants were able to get to know each other and become friends.

In a world where conflicts occur daily, it was never more urgent to educate young people about the importance of peaceful conflict resolution. Every day we witness numerous cases of discrimination and hate speech which lead to much bigger problems. That’s exactly where the Training Course ‘’Youth Against Conflict’’ comes as it plays an important role in educating young people on pressing societal issues.

What better way to ‘’Get Digital and Get Skilled’’ than through an eight-day Erasmus+ project that combines education, intercultural experiences, and technological innovation? The participants from all parts of Europe are gathered in Istanbul with one specific aim – to deepen their digital skills and establish meaningful connections with each other. The ‘’Get Digital, Get Skilled’’

”As this is my first Erasmus+ project ever, I will remember it as one of the best experiences and memories in my life. The project itself was teaching us many new things in a fun way- many of those being group work which helped us network and think outside of the box, which I loved. But the project was not just about the ‘green future’ as the title says, it was about connecting, making new memories, and friends, and bonding.

’Eskişehir was a real adventure that I did not expect. Like every Erasmus adventure, there were many lessons learned—some good, some bad—but I loved every second of it. Thanks to BRAVO, I experienced high-level, non-formal educational training. This one was particularly specific because it changed the narrative and made me step out of my comfort zone of seriousness, allowing me to loosen up in the acting zone with the other participants.

BRAVO tim vas poziva na uzbudljivo takmičenje u društvenim igrama koje će se održati u Sarajevu. Ovo je prilika da pokažete svoje veštine i osvojite glavnu nagradu od 1000 KM. Evo svih detalja koje trebate znati:

‘’The training Course “Leadership skills on the spotlight” in Balatonszárszo, Hungary has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have learned so much about leadership, youth work, and non-formal education in a fun and innovative way. Every day was an opportunity to gain and master new skills, habits, and knowledge, making us so much richer in experience.

Današnji susret između direktora BRAVO-a, Ismaila Šehića, i gospodina Mirze Mušije, Ministra Obrazovanja, Nauke, Kulture i Sporta Zeničko-Dobojskog Kantona predstavlja ključni korak prema ostvarivanju produktivne saradnje između sektora obrazovanja, kulture, i sporta. Ovaj sastanak bio je fokusiran na identifikaciju zajedničkih interesa i potencijalnih projekata koji bi unaprijedili kvalitet života građana ovog kantona.

The Youth Exchange “SolidEU” was held in Valladolid, Spain from the 20th to the 29th of October. It gathered participants from all parts of Europe and provided them with one enriching experience. Through these 9 days, they learned, laughed, and made new memories and friendships. What do our participants have to say about this experience? Continue reading to gain a deeper insight!

We have just added one more stamp to our passports. Currently, our participants are attending the Training Course in Eskişehir, Turkiye. We bring you the full story, coming straight from their lens. The participants are on the journey of empowerment which is one of the main goals of this project. By attending this project, participants are learning the ways to fully express themselves creatively

The “Art Included” project was an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective. I was able to meet new people and learn something new. We acquired and developed new competencies, enhanced a more inclusive society, and encouraged international and intercultural cooperation. We advanced our theatrical skills and had a final theatre performance.

’Being BRAVO’s representative at the Model European Union was an unforgettable experience. The occasion offered a forum for thoughtful conversation on two of the most important topics of the day: artificial intelligence legislation and CO2 emissions. The conversation about CO2 emissions was insightful and made us think about how our actions affect the environment and how urgently we need sustainable solutions.

We have just added a new chapter to our passport stories as our 6 participants are making the world wonder in the Czech Republic by attending the Youth Exchange ‘’Art Included’’. The project ‘’Art Included’’ is all about inclusion and diversity as its main aim is to provide a quality learning opportunity for young people. By taking part in interactive sessions, participants are developing their skills and gradually improving their personal and professional lives.

’I had the privilege of participating in this project, and I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed every aspect of it. As someone new to this kind of experience, I was pleasantly surprised by the engaging activities and the valuable insights provided throughout the course. What makes this project truly special is its ability to make you reflect on your future and the choices you have, especially in a world where the dynamics of work are rapidly changing.

‘’Being able to take part in the Erasmus+ training course “Green Europe” and spend 10 days in France with my peers was an experience I will foster throughout my personal and professional endeavors. Together with young people from around the world, we came up with different solutions on how to “green” our homes, and surroundings and how to encourage others around us to join us on the quest for a better tomorrow.

”I had the amazing chance to participate in the Erasmus+ youth exchange program “Green Urbanization,” and I can’t stop gushing about this unforgettable opportunity. It was clear to me the moment I arrived in Poland that this program’s goals went beyond sustainable urbanization to include the development of a compassionate and understanding society.

’I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ project “Health Up” organized in Romania, Bran, and it was an experience that left a huge mark on my life. Throughout this project, I had the opportunity of venturing into diverse cultures, exploring taboo themes, and dispelling myths about health.

The BRAVO team stepped out of the office and into the field to participate in the fourth annual Sarajevo Sport Fest. From September 22nd to 23rd, “Goran Čengić” sports center was the hotspot of sports, fitness and community spirit. Our organization played a significant role in making this festival a grand success.

”The experience was nothing short of amazing. The project’s focus on personal development through coaching, nature-based learning, and art therapy truly resonated with me. Learning about different instruments for resilience and coping mechanisms was eye-opening. The workshops and activities helped me understand the importance of emotional intelligence and human connection in our lives.

The Training Course ‘’Digital Entrepreneurship’’ was successfully implemented in Abovyan, Armenia. It gathered over 30 young people from around the world who were eager to write one beautiful story that promotes intercultural learning

BRAVO (Bosnian Representative Association for Valuable Opportunities), a leading non-governmental organization in Bosnia and Herzegovina, invites highly motivated and committed individuals to apply for our Internship Program for Project Manager and Project Assistant positions.

The Camino Estonia project was an unforgettable experience that opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective. I was able to learn something new and meet amazing people. Through the intercultural night, I became familiar with new traditions, cultures, various dances, and music, which greatly impacted me and developed my curiosity.

I wouldn’t believe it if someone told me that my life would shift 180° because of Project Common Bond. But it did and I can’t be more overwhelmed and grateful because of it. The Project Common Bond has helped me grow as a person, cope with past trauma and fears, and also break off the shackles of my comfort zone.

”I had an opportunity to be a participant in the training course “Conflict resolution through Storytelling” in Malta. It was an incredible and amazing journey with other participants to speak about conflicts in the world, in ourselves, and between each other, and to try to solve them in group activities or individual work.

“Let me tell you about my adventure in Riga, Latvia, where I participated in an Erasmus project that combined my love for art and my passion for social justice. It was like a match made in heaven, but with a much better soundtrack!

On February 27th under the project Sharing Design Your Job, a workshop was held on Zoom. The topic of the workshop was „basic graphic design“. Our hosts were three participants that attended the training course in Berane, Montenegro in August 2022.

Diversity, “the art of thinking independently together”, is the foundation of a rich, and inclusive society. It connects us, unites us, and makes us stronger. It’s the celebration of differences that make us unique, and the recognition of the value that each individual brings to the table.

The Training Course “Art of Inclusion 2 – Sport and Outdoor Activities” was the project that really exceeded all my expectations. It was a truly mesmerizing experience that gathered young people from all around Europe. The atmosphere was positive, friendly, and supportive, which made it easy for me to feel comfortable and engaged.

BRAVO s ponosom piše priče o svojim članovima koji su aktivni dio društva, te koji na najbolji mogući način predstavljaju važnost mladih u zajednici. Ovoga puta vam donosimo priču o našoj članici Lejli Smječanin. O čemu je to zapravo riječ?

BRAVO team attended IUS Job Fair 2022 organized by the IUS Student and Career Centre together with 17 other companies. This Job Fair was organized with the intention to get to know the students with a wide variety of opportunities that different companies offer and how they can use them to boost their career path and further develop their skills and knowledge as well as further evolve their social network.

It doesn’t really come as surprise anymore when we say that BRAVO’s constant dedication to keep the wheel going when it comes to commitment, ongoing striving for success stories and finding most amazing partners to join us on our path to making this world wonder and providing the most amazing opportunities for our youth and all of the citizens of Bosnia and Hercegovina are resulting in most amazing partnerships!

Every day BRAVO tends to write beautiful stories that will leave mark on society and bring new opportunities for young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s youth have enormous potential. There are other special organizations based in Bosnia and Herzegovina that have recognized the potential of young people and are working hard to create better opportunities.

“This being my first project or anything similar to this, it was a great experience. This was a suggestion from a friend and I could never imagine it being like this. The whole experience was on another level. The people I met, the experiences I gained, and how much I worked on myself during this project are crazy.

BRAVO team attended 12th Scholarships fair organized by the University of Sarajevo. This project was started back in 2010, by the International Relations Office of the University of Sarajevo with the aim to promote scholarships for studying and professional development in our country or abroad. This year’s fair was attended by 48 different partners (universities,

Hi there! The time of year has come again where we are ready to open our doors for a selected number of individuals to join our BRAVO family! Are you interested in becoming a new BRAVO member? Read on to find out more.

On 1st October BRAVO members attended Empowered Elections Study Tour organized by The Election Integrity and Generation Democracy team at the International Republican Institute at Hotel Hills, Sarajevo.

The BRAVO team is always happy and inspired to write stories about successful people and NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are proud to write about non-governmental organizations that are making changes in our society. Sometimes we hear about wonderful stories, we rejoice and they remain in our memory, but is that enough. The BRAVO

Throughout everyday work, BRAVO tries to write life-changing stories that will brighten the future of the youth of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this path, we are attempting to address a variety of issues, including climate change, mental health, unemployment, corruption, and others. We are witnesses ourselves that the society we live and grow in is

#OPEN Call for a New #BRAVO MEMBERS Hi there! The time of year has come again where we are ready to open our doors for a select number of individuals to join our BRAVO family! Are you interested in becoming a new BRAVO member? Read on to find out more. BRAVO mission: BRAVO seeks to

From new friendships and adventures to making memories for a lifetime, at the beginning of this magical month of December our team experienced a true winter wonderland in beautiful town of Zakopane in Poland!

Following recent accomplishments related to the number of approved projects and ahead of deadlines,
due to the shown interest, BRAVO Project Management Academy was held from 14 th till 17 th of January 2022.

Dana 5.12. 2021. godine BRAVO je obilježio Dan volontera, koji za cilj ima dignuti svijest o radu volontera i njihovom doprinosu na lokalnom, nacionalnom te međunarodnom nivou. U svrhu dodatnog podizanja svijesti o volonterskom angažmanu mladih, naš tim je odlučio obradovati srednjoškolce, pružajući potreban prostor za promovisanje aktivnog učeća u lokalnoj zajednici.

A holiday devoted to everyone who use their time and energy to push their communities toward better tomorrow, International Volunteer Day (IVD) recognizes all kinds of volunteer-based efforts made for positive social change on either local, national or international level.

Is the name of our organization still a mystery to you? Are we really fulfilling what the title says? Then keep reading and see why we are BRAVO. Azra, Milan and Tarik took a participation in EQ+ Emotional Intelligence Project in Samobor and this is what they say about it. Azra states the following: “This

Words from BRAVO volunteers… Within the ESC project called “Climate Volunteers in Our City” on the March 1st we have arrived in Turkey’s province of Sakarya, Serdivan Municipality, where, during next 6 months, we will be implementing all kinds of project activities regarding climate changes in Sakarya. PROJECT AIM Together, with our hosting organization Kargenc