On the occasion of International Day of Democracy, the Association for Education and Development Dignitet organized the performance of the play “Activism Under the Stars” on Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Mostar Youth Theatre.

The play erases the boundary between the audience and the performers, featuring Džana Kalajdžić, Haris Hodžić, Anja Cvitković, Teo Sandžaktar-Bijedić, and Sabahudin Gluhović on stage.

Actor Haris Hodžić, one of the performers, shared his impression:
“The play ‘Activism Under the Stars’ delivers an important message to both young people and adults—that violence is all around us and that the solution must begin with us. We must be compassionate and attentive to what is happening in our surroundings, because violence can be just a step away from us.”

The significance of the performance was also emphasized by Aida Kajan, professor of pedagogy and director of the Sunčani most kindergarten in Mostar, who stated:
“The play ‘Activism Under the Stars’, performed by young activists of the Association Dignitet, connected the stage and the audience in a unique experience, creating a space where young people not only talk about problems but also live them on stage. As a mother and as someone who has worked with children and youth for years, I am convinced that this type of engaged theatre has special value in the educational process. The young performers used their voices and movements to clearly point out the presence of violence and discrimination within families, schools, relationships, society, and the digital sphere. The strength of the play lay in its authenticity: it was written in the language of young people, performed by young people, and its messages reached the audience’s hearts strongly and convincingly, carrying a clear message, lesson, and call to prevent and stop violence. This experience surpassed any classical presentation or lecture, because the young actors truly lived what they were talking about on stage.”

Following the performance, a panel discussion titled “The Values of Democracy and Civic Activism” was held, featuring Mirza Lalić (City Councilor of Mostar), Sabina Memić (Youth Officer of the City of Mostar), Jelena Krešić (LDA Mostar), and Edisa Demić (Dignitet), moderated by Sara Kljaić.

The panelists emphasized the importance of citizen engagement, especially youth participation, in decision-making and strengthening their voices in society. Sabina Memić expressed hope for the soon-to-be opening of the Youth Center in the Mujaga Komadina House, while Mirza Lalić presented initiatives aimed at simplifying administrative processes and reducing costs for youth organizations—highlighting the “Put a Stamp” initiative, which exempts youth associations in Mostar from paying administrative fees. He also stressed the importance of more active youth involvement in the work of the City Council. Jelena Krešić recalled programs such as “Let’s Debate Change”, which foster critical thinking and encourage a culture of dialogue.

Edisa Demić, representative of the Association Dignitet, underlined that strengthening critical thinking, building young people’s self-confidence, and motivating them to step out of their comfort zones are essential for democracy.

The evening concluded with the message that Mostar—with its cultural tradition and the challenges it faces in building democratic practices—represents fertile ground for such initiatives. The shared message from the panelists to the audience was that democracy lives through the small but brave steps of every individual who chooses to act.

This event was organized within the PRAGG project, funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by a consortium led by HELVETAS and NIRAS, in partnership with local partners Centers for Civic Initiatives (CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development KULT.