The organization “Zdravo da ste” from Banja Luka, together with partner organizations from M.O.C.A.R.T. of Republika Srpska – the Network of Youth Centers for Animation, Development and Training, as well as the associations C.E.Z.A.R. (Srbac), Prnjavor Youth Center, and Most Association (Gradiška), is once again addressing the public regarding the initiative to establish long-term and stable support for youth centers in Republika Srpska.

Out of the four ministries to which the initiative was submitted, a meeting has so far been held only with the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska. The lack of response and engagement from the remaining institutions further deepens concerns about the sustainability of youth centers.

“Youth centers are not seeking privileges, but the minimum conditions necessary for their work and survival. Without systemic and predictable institutional support, their future remains uncertain, despite the important role they play in local communities,” the organizations behind the initiative stated in a joint position.

The initiative was addressed to the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Finance of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government of Republika Srpska, and the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation of Republika Srpska, with the aim of establishing predictable financing and institutional support for the operation of youth centers.

The submitted proposals call for the establishment of a dedicated budget line starting in 2026, multi-year funding, the inclusion of youth centers in the development of youth policies, and a clearer role for local communities in providing financial and spatial support.

Due to long-standing challenges such as unstable funding, lack of space, and a limited number of staff, many youth centers are already operating on the brink of sustainability. In the context of youth emigration and the weakening of local communities, the organizations behind the initiative warn that continued neglect of these issues could lead to the closure of existing youth centers across Republika Srpska.