On 31 October and 1 November 2026, the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre organised an introductory training session for new volunteers joining the Older Brother, Older Sister programme. A total of 68 applications were received following the public call, and after selection interviews, 16 young people were invited to attend the training. They have chosen to dedicate their time, attention, and friendship to children who need additional support as they grow up.

During the two-day training, prospective volunteers learned about the programme, its values, and its implementation, with a particular focus on the importance of building a meaningful mentoring relationship and the process involved. They discussed trust, understanding, patience, and the importance of creating a safe space where children can feel accepted and supported. Special attention was given to the role of volunteers as older brothers or older sisters, highlighting the importance of their presence, commitment, and willingness to build relationships with children through shared time, conversations, and everyday moments.

The two-day training was delivered by Mirela Geko, Programme Coordinator of Older Brother, Older Sister, and Nerma Daut-Bajramović, Programme Associate for Development and Quality at the Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programmes Older Brother, Older Sister.

Being an “older brother” or “older sister” does not mean having all the answers or always knowing what to do. It means being there, listening, offering encouragement, sharing happy moments, and showing a child that they have someone they can count on. It is precisely through these small, everyday moments that relationships are built – relationships that can leave a lasting impact.

In the coming period, new mentoring pairs will be formed and will begin spending time together. At the same time, mentoring pairs from the previous cycle will continue their activities, which both the children and volunteers are looking forward to. We are preparing plenty of exciting activities for all our mentoring pairs, while volunteers will also take part in educational workshops and receive ongoing support in their mentoring roles.

Mirela Geko, Programme Coordinator of Older Brother, Older Sister:

I am eagerly looking forward to the beginning of a new programme cycle, in which we will provide support to 25 mentoring pairs. The introductory training was an incredibly inspiring experience, and the motivation, openness, and willingness of our new volunteers to learn give me every reason to believe that another successful and meaningful cycle lies ahead. I am particularly looking forward to connecting new volunteers with those who are already part of our programme, as I believe their shared energy, experience, and dedication will contribute to building strong mentoring relationships and creating many valuable moments for the children.

This year, too, we are implementing the programme in cooperation with the Cantonal Centre for Social Work Sarajevo, the Cantonal Public Institution Home for Children Without Parental Care, and the Association “Give Us a Chance”.

The Older Brother, Older Sister programme reminds us that creating meaningful change does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, all it takes is giving your time, showing care, offering support, and building a genuine friendship. Because as children and their mentors grow and learn together, they both gain an experience that stays with them.

We look forward to all the new encounters, friendships, and stories we will create together!

The implementation of the programme is supported by the Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programmes Older Brother, Older Sister.