For years, children from the Trebinje neighborhood of Varina Gruda had no playground and had to play in the streets. However, the residents of Varina Gruda have witnessed firsthand the importance of collaboration between civil society and local authorities. Thanks to this cooperation, they now enjoy a better and more fulfilling life, and their children finally have a playground where they can play basketball, football, dodgeball, and other games.

"They are safe now. Everything is fenced; the ball can't roll onto the street. They no longer have to chase after it, which makes it much safer for both the children and their parents. It has truly enriched their lives," says Milanka Rajak from the association “Više od igre Trebinje” (More than a Game Trebinje).

"Thanks to PRAGG and the support of the Swiss Embassy, we were on the right path and managed to reach our goal. We believe this is not the end—rather, it's just the beginning. We hope to embark on new projects to solve even more challenges in our community," said Miroslav Janjić, president of the informal citizens’ group Više od igre Trebinje.

The determination and persistence of parents and members of Više od igre Trebinje paid off—not only was a children’s playground built in Varina Gruda, but construction began on five more playgrounds across Trebinje. This proves that citizens truly have the power to initiate and create change in their local communities! 

The PRAGG project is funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by the consortium #HELVETAS and #NIRAS in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with local partners the Centers for Civil Initiatives (#CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development #KULT.

👥 PRAGG unites

🗣 PRAGG advocates

⚖ PRAGG changes

✔ PRAGG succeeds