On November 30th and December 1st, 2024, BRAVO organized an event in Sarajevo as part of the H.A.N.D. project, a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) Humanitarian Aid initiative. The event brought together 50 youth workers from across the country to discuss the project’s goals, its impact, and how it addresses local and international challenges. Over two days, participants explored importance of community development, intercultural collaboration, and sustainable practices while gaining insights into the project’s international scope and local relevance. They have done this through several workshops that were organized by BRAVO team.
The H.A.N.D. project lasted 24 months and involved 36 volunteers working in Uganda, India, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It focuses on education, sustainability, and community development, aiming to empower vulnerable groups, foster equity, and promote solidarity. This event’s main aim was to stress out the project’s role in dealing with socio-economic challenges, with specific examples of its successes in different countries.
Main part of the event was a creative activity where we presented recycled objects which were old glass jars turned into candles. This demonstrated how small, eco-friendly actions can contribute to broader environmental goals and raise awareness on environmental protection. The main idea of the event is to bring young people together and show them that change is possible through volunteering and its activities in local communities.
The significance of the H.A.N.D. project for Bosnia and Herzegovina was great, and not only in local communities where volunteers were implementing activities, but also at the institutional level as this was an opportunity for the government bodies to see that volunteering in larger groups is beneficial and should be supported by the government, The importance behind it is that it directly supports community development, empowers youth, and promotes sustainability, all while strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange. Through projects like H.A.N.D., Bosnia and Herzegovina can build stronger communities, address critical social challenges, and contribute to global solidarity.
In conclusion, event successfully demonstrated the value of humanitarian aid initiatives in creating long-lasting positive change. By focusing on education, sustainability, and collaboration, such projects offer an inspiration to addressing local and global challenges, ensuring a better future for all.