https://svitac.org

During my one-month volunteering stay supported by the European Solidarity Corps, I volunteered at a youth centre in Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. My sending organisation was Bezirksjugendwerk der AWO Hessen-Süd e.V. from Germany, and my hosting organisation was Svitac, based in Brčko.

During my stay, I prepared creative activities such as crafts for young children and co-facilitated workshops on social topics for teenagers together with international and local volunteers. My responsibilities also included assisting with the organisation of the New Year’s Party and co-hosting the event as part of the team.

What I appreciated most was how welcoming and open the people at the youth centre were. I am grateful for the way they shared their culture, dreams, and opinions with me, which made me feel truly included from the very beginning.

This volunteering experience allowed me to develop greater cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and skills in working with young people in a non-formal educational setting. At the same time, I noticed personal growth in becoming more self-disciplined and motivated to take on new challenges. In my free time, I participated in cultural activities such as a weekly music class and even learned how to ice skate, thanks to the encouragement of my new friends. My favorite food is definitely „burek“.

In conclusion, I highly recommend volunteering to anyone who wants to step outside their comfort zone and connect with new people and cultures. Such an experience can provide valuable insights into both personal and professional development.

facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/omladinska.svitac
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Svitac_BiH
Instagram: omladinska.svitac
YouTube: Svitac Firefly Bosnia

See you around,

Maryam Malik, Svitac’s (Firefly in Bosnia’s) ESC volunteer November-December 2025

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