At the conference “Shaping Narratives: Non-Formal Education as a Bridge Between Learning and Participation”, held in Mostar, the Local Democracy Agency (LDA) Mostar officially announced its new role as the national contact point for the Erasmus+ Youth program in Bosnia and Herzegovina under SALTO SEE.
This marks LDA Mostar’s commitment to being a key bridge between young people and European learning and participation opportunities.
Dialogue Between Institutions and Youth
The conference featured three panel discussions, bringing together institutions, civil society organizations, the education sector, and young people.
Discussions focused on how skills gained through non-formal education can be recognized and valued in the Bosnian labor market, and how this type of learning opens doors to employment and career development.
Non-Formal Education Complements Formal Learning
Maja Vejzović-Voloder, representative of the Erasmus+ Youth contact point at LDA Mostar, emphasized:
“Non-formal education does not replace formal education. It complements it, providing young people with practical experience and better positioning in the professional world.”
She added:
“At LDA Mostar, we continuously offer young people opportunities to develop their skills and capacities. In the coming years, we aim to provide even more opportunities through non-formal education, helping them build a safer and better future. Currently, the statistics are not in our favor: according to Eurostat, Bosnia and Herzegovina has almost twice the youth unemployment rate compared to EU countries.”
Practical Experience and Skills Development
Martina Vidović, project coordinator at the Archdiocesan Center for Youth Pastoral John Paul II, highlighted the importance of hands-on experiences:
“Young people are genuinely interested in participation, but quality programs are essential. Non-formal education offers a space where they can grow, develop their potential, and become empowered individuals ready for tomorrow’s challenges.”
She explained that the Center provides opportunities for young people to volunteer across Europe, develop intercultural and communication skills, and gain exposure to diverse environments.
Voices of Young Participants
Tarik Kreso, IT student and participant in LDA Mostar programs, shared his experience:
“This type of learning has greatly enriched me over the past few years. I would not have had the chance to connect different experiences, meet diverse people, and translate all of this into skills and knowledge that have shaped me both personally and professionally.”
Bringing Communities Together
The conference gathered representatives from institutions, academia, the private sector, youth organizations, and young activists, highlighting the key role of non-formal education in strengthening youth competencies and creating new professional opportunities.
