During June 2026, scholarship recipients and mentors of the Hastor Foundation carried out a series of significant volunteer activities in different cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina, once again confirming the values on which the Foundation bases its work – education, solidarity, social responsibility, youth activism, and contribution to local communities. Through carefully designed workshops, educational content, humanitarian initiatives, and activities focused on improving shared community spaces, participants demonstrated how volunteering represents a powerful tool for individual development, as well as for creating positive changes in society.
Development of Professional Interests and the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Brčko
In Brčko, mentors Adelisa Okanović and Almina Vejzović carried out two exceptionally valuable activities aimed at developing young people’s knowledge, skills, and awareness. The first activity, titled “School Mini Project: Exploring Professions Through Posters and Research,” provided students with the opportunity to explore different professions and their role in society in a creative and interactive way. Through group work, research, discussions, and the creation of educational posters, students developed communication and presentation skills, learned about the importance of different professions, and reflected on their own interests and future career choices. A particularly valuable part of the activity was the final exhibition of students’ work, which enabled the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and ideas among participants.
The second activity was dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyle habits among high school students. Through educational workshops, surveys, group tasks, simulations of everyday situations, and interactive quizzes, students discussed the importance of proper nutrition, physical activity, quality sleep, mental health, and the responsible use of digital technologies. The activity contributed to raising awareness about healthy lifestyles and motivated young people to adopt habits that positively influence their physical and mental well-being.
A Culture of Gratitude and Humanitarian Engagement
Sarajevo
In Sarajevo, activities were carried out that fostered empathy, gratitude, and social responsibility among students. Through the workshop “A Small Thank-You for a Great Effort,” students, together with mentors Sajra Bajraktarević and Kerim Šabet, had the opportunity to reflect on the support they had received from their teachers, professors, and homeroom teachers throughout their education and to express respect and gratitude, through creatively designed thank-you cards, to the individuals who guided, taught, and motivated them during the school year. The activity encouraged the development of emotional intelligence, a culture of appreciation, and interpersonal relationships based on respect and gratitude.
In addition, mentors Džejlana Varupa, Sadeta Salkanović, Amina Salihović, and their students carried out a volunteer activity in cooperation with the humanitarian organization Pomozi.ba, where students participated in collecting, sorting, recording, and packaging donations intended for socially vulnerable families and individuals. Through direct involvement in the work of the humanitarian organization, students gained valuable experience regarding the functioning of the humanitarian sector, the importance of volunteering, and the significance of providing support to those most in need. This activity further strengthened the sense of solidarity and social responsibility among young people.
Intercultural Connection Through Language and Culture
Mostar
One of the volunteer activities carried out in Mostar represented an example of successfully connecting young people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Together with mentors Anida Maksumić and Jovana Krčo, students had the opportunity to learn the basics of the Arabic language with the support of their peers from Palestine, who took on the role of young educators and introduced part of their culture, language, and traditions. Through conversations, language games, and collaborative learning, participants developed awareness of the importance of mutual respect, acceptance of diversity, and openness toward other cultures. The activity contributed to creating an inclusive environment in which all students had the opportunity to feel accepted, equal, and valued.
Promotion of Youth Activism and Social Engagement
Jajce
In Jajce, young people, under the mentorship of Adis Poturović and Zinedin Šahman, actively participated, through cooperation with the Youth Gathering Centre (COD), in promoting the activities and opportunities that this centre offers to the local community. By creating promotional display boards, leaflets, and posters, students learned how to design and communicate messages that motivate their peers to become actively involved in social processes. Through creative workshops and joint activities, they developed organizational, communication, and leadership skills, while at the same time promoting the importance of safe spaces for socializing, learning, developing talents, and spending young people’s free time in meaningful ways.
Community Improvement and the Development of Environmental Awareness
Zenica
In Zenica, Sumeja Šišman carried out an initiative aimed at improving the appearance of the local community through flower planting and the maintenance of public spaces. The activity included site preparation, weed removal, planting flower seedlings, and the regular maintenance of the planted areas. In addition to contributing to a more attractive and pleasant public space, the initiative had a strong educational component, as it encouraged a sense of responsibility toward the environment and shared public resources.
The volunteer activities carried out during June 2026 once again demonstrated that the Hastor Foundation’s scholarship recipients and mentors are drivers of positive change within their local communities. Through activities focused on education, health, humanitarian work, intercultural dialogue, the development of youth activism, and environmental protection, participants developed numerous competencies and values that the Hastor Foundation continuously promotes—responsibility, empathy, solidarity, leadership, teamwork, and lifelong learning. The implemented activities not only contributed to the development of the participants but also left a visible impact on the communities in which they were carried out, confirming that volunteering represents one of the most important forms of youth social engagement and a key component of the Hastor Foundation’s mission to build a better and more humane society.
Prepared by: Ajna Šido
