The Association for the Promotion of culture and arts ART from Bratunac has launched the initiative “Young People Think, Bratunac Builds,” implemented within the project “Connecting the Dots 2.0 – Advancing Child Participation in Decision Making for Enhanced Child Rights and Democracy in B&H,” funded by the European Union in BiH.
The initiative aims to help create a stimulating and safe environment for the growth and development of children and young people in the municipality of Bratunac through the systematic recognition of their needs and the strengthening of resilience in the area of mental health. By increasing youth participation in decision‑making processes and improving children’s knowledge about mental health, we will lay the foundation for long‑term change in the community.
What does the project bring to the children and young people of Bratunac?
The project began with activities focused on developing a new Youth Policy for the municipality of Bratunac – an important document that the local community currently lacks. In cooperation with the municipality, a working group will be formed, consisting of institutional representatives and youth activists. Their joint task is to define priorities and measures that will ensure young people’s voices are heard and taken into account in future planning and budgeting.
At the same time, the project is launching a series of activities aimed at supporting children’s well‑being. Three educational workshops on mental health will be held for children aged 11–17. These workshops will help them develop self‑help strategies, better understand their emotions, and learn how to cope with stress and everyday challenges. A particularly valuable part of the program will be a visit to the Mental Health Center in Srebrenica, where participants will have the opportunity to speak with professionals, learn about available services, and take part in group and individual support sessions.
Why is this project important?
The launch of this project comes at a time when investing in children and young people is more important than ever. The municipality of Bratunac does not have an active youth policy—a key document that defines strategic directions for development, priorities, and support for young people. The absence of such a policy represents a gap in systematic youth work, weak participation, and insufficient recognition of their needs. At the same time, the mental health of children and adolescents remains a topic burdened with taboos, lack of knowledge, and limited access to resources. For many, school is the only place where they can meet a psychologist or pedagogue, which often makes open conversation difficult. The “Young People Think, Bratunac Builds” project addresses these challenges by creating space for youth voices, increasing their visibility, and providing systemic support, while strengthening children’s resilience through mental health education. The planned initiative aims to:
- create opportunities for young people to participate in decision‑making,
- strengthen the municipality’s capacity to plan and invest in youth programs,
- bring long‑term benefits to the community through more active, empowered, and respected young people,
- improve children’s knowledge of mental health and connect them with professional services,
- reduce stigma and increase access to support in the community.
The first steps have already been taken
During the initial phase of the project, introductory meetings with local authorities were held, and the working group that will lead the development of the Youth Policy will soon begin its work. In parallel, the first workshop on children’s mental health has already taken place.
Continued engagement of all involved stakeholders will be crucial to ensuring that the set goals are transformed into lasting solutions for the well‑being of the children and young people of Bratunac.
