From October 2023 to June 2024, 24 volunteers served as Guiding Stars, volunteering in five primary schools, three high schools, and at the Educational Center of the Sarajevo Canton.
In the primary schools, volunteers provided learning support to more than 20 students who needed it, contributing to literacy and the prevention of addiction at the primary school level.
Additionally, the Guiding Stars conducted eight pilot workshops in high schools on topics such as addiction prevention, coping skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, emotional recognition, and more. More than 200 students participated in the set of eight workshops, with the volunteers receiving support from the project coordinator through eight advisory meetings.
Besides the workshops for high school students and learning support for primary school children, the Guiding Stars organized outings and various cultural and artistic visits with the participants of the Educational Center, such as visits to the National Museum, attending the Festival of Lights, and other excursions.
Project coordinator Kerima Delibašić shared her impressions after the cycle:
We accomplished a lot. A large number of children had the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities in a scientifically-based way. We worked interactively, aiming to consider the participants’ opinions to better adapt the program for future generations.
In addition to Kerima, volunteer Amra Čelik also gave a statement:
Volunteering in the ‘Guiding Stars’ project met all my expectations. The project is my guide for further professional work with children because I gained rich practical experience. Although working with children of different ages sometimes brought new challenges, the most beautiful part of the project is working with the children, and the indescribable feeling when you enter the classroom and feel the children’s joy at your arrival. So, there was no challenge that a kind word and a smile couldn’t overcome. Volunteering gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful people, work on myself, and improve my interaction and communication skills. I take away only positive experiences from the project, new friendships, and new skills and habits that are useful for my personal and professional growth and development.
The Guiding Stars truly did an outstanding job, and we hope that the next cycle will be even more successful so that we can continue to fulfill our vision of a quality and healthy life in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Anisa Čelik
