The end of the year is often a time for reflection — but also a reminder of why we do what we do!

During November, within the PRAGG programme, a new cycle of civic participation trainings was held in several municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants’ experiences confirm that such activities have a lasting impact on strengthening civic activism, connecting citizens, and improving local communities.

Konjic: Networking and Support for Local Initiatives

Participants in Konjic highlighted the importance of initiatives that successfully mobilise people who are otherwise not active in their local communities. Particular emphasis was placed on young people, for whom these trainings open doors to local organisations and provide additional motivation to remain engaged.

“This gives local organisations an opportunity to reach out to young people, offer them support, and give them a push forward. Young people often do not join organisations on their own, and trainings like this build a bridge between them,” one participant noted.

Participants also stressed the importance of cooperation between “large” and “small” organisations. While larger organisations can initiate processes and secure resources, local organisations are best positioned to understand community needs and provide essential on-the-ground support.
In smaller communities, local initiatives often face obstacles, and personal relationships can complicate advocacy processes — making external support particularly valuable.

Zavidovići: Restoring the Will to Engage

The training in Zavidovići resulted in a strong motivational shift among participants, many of whom stated that the training helped restore their lost motivation for civic engagement.

“I am now aware of the mechanisms available to us as citizens, and I am confident that I will apply some of what we learned in practice in the coming period,” said one participant.

Such feedback highlights the importance of providing citizens not only with concrete tools and knowledge, but also with a sense of solidarity and encouragement.

Prnjavor: An Unexpected Contribution from Communal Police

A particular added value of the training in Prnjavor was the participation of a communal police officer, who shared practical challenges encountered in daily work.

His explanations, delivered in clear and accessible language, provided a valuable counterbalance to theoretical frameworks. The combination of theory, practical experience, and an advocacy approach enabled participants to view local issues from multiple perspectives.
Participants noted that this segment helped them better understand how institutions function and how citizens can engage in addressing communal issues.

Srbac: Youth Potential and a Group Ready for Further Development

The training in Srbac revealed strong potential within a mixed group of participants. Young participants under the age of 18 demonstrated maturity and critical thinking, although they require additional encouragement to take on more active roles. Other participants showed strong motivation and capacity to improve their community, though their previous engagement focused more on general work with children and youth rather than civic mechanisms.

As highlighted, this group could make significant progress with mentoring and adequate support. When citizens demonstrate the will, energy, and ability to initiate processes for the common good, they are always worth empowering and supporting.