As part of the local initiative “Young Creators”, organized by the Youth Center Desnek Breza, 67 children participated in creative workshops designed to encourage artistic expression, the development of life skills, and mutual cooperation. The goal was not only for children to master various techniques for making jewelry and souvenirs through creative activities, but also to empower them, help them express emotions, and develop self-confidence and mutual understanding. The workshops served as a space for creating art, but also for discussing important topics—from mental health to friendship.
Sara, a twelve-year-old participant, shared her own experience.
I don’t really know how to start writing about how I felt during the workshops, because it’s hard to put everything into one short story. Taking part in these workshops brought me the most beautiful memories and experiences. I met new friends, spent time with old ones, learned to make new things, created lots of artwork, talked about difficult topics, laughed often, and sometimes even cried because everything touched me deeply.
Honestly, I didn’t expect to like it so much. What stayed with me the most was how meaningful our conversations were and how important it is to say how we feel. I learned that it’s not shameful to be sad or to ask for help, and that it’s okay not to be okay all the time. We also did relaxation exercises through art and writing, which helped me ease the burden I’ve been carrying. We are children who worry a lot—about school, grades, parents’ expectations, peers, appearance—and sometimes we forget to simply be kids.
Through these workshops, I became more confident and more understanding of others. It made me happy to see that others had worries similar to mine. I felt accepted. Every piece I created carries a beautiful memory, and I am glad I was part of this story.
This reflection shows how creative workshops can be much more than artistic creation—they become a space for emotional empowerment, acceptance, and connection. The girl learned to express her feelings, to seek support, to let go of the fear of judgment, and to build self-confidence. She made new friends, discovered she is not alone in her worries, and learned that creativity can be a path toward inner peace. That is the strength of the “Young Creators” initiative—a blend of art, empathy, and togetherness.
The “Young Creators” initiative was implemented within the project “Connecting the Dots 2.0 – Advancing Child Participation in Decision Making for Enhanced Child Rights and Democracy in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, implemented by World Vision BH Foundation and the Association Naša djeca Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, and with the financial support of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
