The association “Youth Theatre of Tuzla” successfully implemented the initiative “Decision-Making Oasis”, aimed at empowering children and youth to actively participate in decision-making and promoting their rights through art and dialogue.
Key activities that were carried out throughout the project, brought together 50 participants aged 13 to 29. Children and youth took part in educational workshops on children’s and youth rights, youth activism, and advocacy processes. The workshops were interactive, and participants learned through role-playing, discussions, and creative tasks how to express their views and influence social change.
“Through this project, I learned that art is not just entertainment, but also a way to make a difference.” – Hana, 17
“I didn’t know that we, as children, could talk about the problems we face and that adults would listen. Now I feel more confident to share my opinion.” – Lamija, 15
They transformed their experiences into stage situations, which served as an introduction to creating a play addressing themes such as decision-making, mental health, school pressure, and social inequalities.
As educator Iris Stuhli emphasized: “My goal was to help participants to recognize their rights, understand the mechanisms through which they can influence societal change, and develop skills for confident expression through the artistic process, all through an educational and interactive approach. Working on the play showed how important it is to give children and youth space and trust – they turned their ideas into a powerful stage performance that inspired the audience to think and engage in dialogue.”
“Watching this play, I realized how serious are the problems young people are facing with and how often we fail to hear them. This is a lesson for us, adults, as well.” – Nermin, 44, teacher and one of the attendees at the premiere.
The play was performed twice in front of an audience of over 400 people, including representatives of educational institutions, parents, NGOs, and local authorities.
After the performance, a roundtable was organized with 30 participants, including children and youth from the project, project team members and mentors, representatives of the Department for Social Affairs of the City of Tuzla, the Tuzla Center for Social Work, school pedagogues and psychologists, teachers (teachers and BHS language professors), representatives of the Youth Council of Tuzla Canton, and organizations working with children and youth. During the discussion, children and youth presented several key proposals to improve their position:
- Establishing student councils in all primary schools to give students a voice in decision-making;
- Providing psychological support available throughout the week, not only during designated hours;
- Creating safe spaces for youth, such as day centers with workshops and cultural activities;
- Greater involvement of young people in planning school and local activities (such as school campaigns, prevention programs, and cultural events);
- Reducing stigma around mental health through public discussions and workshops.
“Projects like this are invaluable because they help us hear the voices of young people directly. Their ideas are concrete and worth considering.” – Representative of Tuzla local government.
“Decision-Making Oasis” demonstrated that children and youth have ideas, energy, and the ability to change society – when given space and support. This initiative showed how art and education can empower children and youth to become more aware, active, and responsible members of the community. It is an important step toward creating a more inclusive environment where the voices of children and youth are not only heard but respected.
The initiative “Decision-Making Oasis” was implemented within the project “Connecting the Dots 2 – Advancing Child Participation in Decision Making for Enhanced Child Rights and Democracy in B&H”, carried out by World Vision BH Foundation and the association “Our Children” Sarajevo, in partnership with the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, and funded by the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
