The initiative “The Future Is in Our Hands”, implemented by the Association “Srce na dlanu” from Banja Luka, was launched with the aim of giving children and youth the opportunity to develop leadership, project management, and public advocacy skills. Through educational workshops, they learned how to turn their ideas into concrete actions and how to become active participants in their community. The goal is simple yet powerful – to show that change begins with us and that everyone can contribute to a better future.
Here is the reflection of participant Emilija Janjić:
“In a time that often values speed over presence and status over substance, it is truly refreshing to be part of a space where one realizes that leadership is, above all, an act of humanity. The leadership workshop I attended was not just another seminar or a set of theoretical lessons. It was a living, sincere, and deeply human exchange – a place where words were listened to with attention, thoughts were shared with vulnerability, and the presence of each of us was equally important. Through carefully designed content, open conversations, and guided exercises, we were led through a process of recognizing personal values – those that guide us through life, often unconsciously. We spoke about leadership that does not seek titles but takes responsibility. Leadership that does not stand ahead of others but walks alongside them. Together, we explored what it means to be an authentic leader – one who first knows how to listen to themselves and only then to others. And somewhere along that path, we naturally touched on another important topic: beliefs. Because leadership does not begin with a position. It begins in the silence of our thoughts, in the patterns we repeat, in the beliefs that shape how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. From my perspective, a leader is not someone who knows everything. A leader is someone who has the courage to question what they believe and, when necessary, to change those beliefs.”
Emilija’s reflection shows how this kind of work with children and youth can change perspectives and empower them to become leaders in their communities. This is the essence of the project – to empower children and youth to recognize their value, develop skills, and take an active role in creating a society that respects the rights of children and youth.
The initiative “The Future Is in Our Hands” was implemented as part of the project “Connecting the Dots 2.0 – 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 Naša djeca Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of B&H, with financial support from the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
