On the sunny December day, December 17, 2024, Gradiška hosted the first study visit as part of the PRAGG project. Bringing together participants from various civil society organizations, local governments, and development agencies, this event provided an excellent platform for exchanging experiences and inspiring new activities.

The study visit was designed as a dynamic program filled with content that demonstrated how intersectoral collaboration and innovation can be used to strengthen local communities.

Morning dedicated to visions and strategies

The day began with a visit to the Gradiška City Hall, where participants had the opportunity to learn about the work of the Department for Development and International Projects. Experts from this department presented the strategies the city uses to attract international funds for local development.

"Gradiška City Hall has been actively supporting various initiatives, projects, and activities contributing to the development of the community for many years. This support is not only institutional but also very sincere and concrete, laying the foundation for many successful stories that enrich the lives of the citizens here. There is a special energy that drives all these positive changes, as if a strange water flows through this town, encouraging all of us to do more and better", said Dijana Mijatović, financial administrative worker and coordinator of several projects at Genesis Project from Banja Luka.

After the introductory part, the group visited key locations in Gradiška, where participants could see examples of intersectoral cooperation in action. This city walk was a behind-the-scenes look—ranging from tourism and culture to economic initiatives, each segment of the story spoke about the joint work of various actors.

Afternoon inspiration – From activism to innovation

After a short break and lunch, the visit continued at the Association MOST, where participants learned about the incredible results of youth work through socially useful projects.

A particular impression was made by the presentation of the Gradiška Development Agency, which showed how public-private dialogue can support innovation and economic development. Direct examples from practice clearly demonstrated how innovative solutions contribute to the improvement of the local economy. At the end of the day, the stories from the neighboring community—experience shared by the C.E.Z.A.R. Association from Srbac—further motivated everyone. Its director, Tanja Šnjegota, shared the story of how small communities, with the right approach, can implement projects with a significant impact.

"I truly believe that we were able to creatively present to the participants everything we have done, what we are doing, and what we will do in the future. Events like this are important because they provide an opportunity to learn from one another. We took advantage of the sunny day to walk around the city, get familiar with its culture, tradition, and the most significant institutions of our city. After everything, I am ‘nourished’ with optimism and the belief that great things start with us ‘small’ people. I hope that all participants will take away only positive experiences. The Development Agency is an example of how strategic approaches and connecting the public, private, and civil sectors can achieve great things. Networking, sharing information and experiences are the keys to success. The message is that we are all on the same side, with the same goal, which is to contribute to creating conditions for a better life for citizens", said Bogdan Vicanović, director of the Gradiška Development Agency.

Connecting and new energy for future projects

In addition to new knowledge, participants highlighted the value of networking. The opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from different backgrounds inspired them for future steps.

"I am always inspired when I see a large number of my colleagues from the NGO sector in one place. I believe networking is crucial for the survival of the NGO sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Only in this way, I think small organizations can survive and somehow fight for their piece of sunlight", said Mladen Ćikić from the Rusag Association, Prijedor.

"The recipe for success that I took away from the study visit is to encourage and involve as many young people as possible in decision-making, organizing, and implementing activities so that they feel useful and responsible, and ultimately it would benefit the local community. Young people need support because they are very creative, the bearers of new ideas, and can change a lot if given the opportunity. What I would emphasize is that unity and collaboration are the keys to positive changes that contribute to the welfare and progress of the community", added Mirela Nuhanović, a professor at the "Cazin" Secondary School.

Inspiration for everyday work

The study visit in Gradiška once again demonstrated how intersectoral collaboration, innovation, and networking can be driving forces for positive change. With a wealth of ideas and examples participants took with them, the PRAGG project continues to affirm its role in strengthening local communities through connection and knowledge-sharing.