Day of civic participation in Tuzla: Citizens said what they want to preserve and what to change in their city
Omladinski resursni centar Tuzla organizovao je na Trgu Slobode uličnu akciju povodom Dana građanskog učešća, sa ciljem da građanima omogući jednostavan i...

The Tuzla Youth Resource Center organized a street event in Freedom Square (Trg Slobode) to mark Civic Participation Day, aiming to provide citizens with a simple and direct way to express their views on the local community's problems, needs, and priorities.

The event comprised two interconnected components: the "Exhibition of (Un)Successes" and the "Wall of Wishes and Complaints."

The "Exhibition of (Un)Successes" showcased examples from Tuzla that illustrate various facets of the city's development. Positive examples included the Pannonian Lakes, the Kicelj area, the city's bicycle paths, and the Park for Victims of Femicide and All Forms of Violence.

At the same time, issues requiring ongoing attention and resolution were highlighted, such as dilapidated facades in the city center, the condition of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering building, the Tuzlić Mansion (Konak Tuzlića), and the unfinished structure originally intended for judicial institutions—which has since been transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The second part of the event, the "Wall of Wishes and Complaints," allowed citizens to anonymously write down what they would like to change in Tuzla. Messages included calls for more activities for young people, reduced pollution and litter, solutions for the stray dog ​​problem, improved public transport, greater parental attention toward children, and better pensions, as well as comments regarding crime, corruption, and the quality of life for citizens. Citizen response and interest were very high; a large number of passers-by engaged in conversation, viewed the exhibition, or left suggestions on the "Wall of Wishes and Grievances."

The aim of the activity was to demonstrate that civic participation is not limited to formal processes but begins with recognizing problems, expressing views, and showing a willingness to engage in discussions about the development of one's community.