Open Call for Volunteers!

Addiction Prevention Competence Centre is inviting young people aged 20 to 30 to volunteer in the mentoring programme Older Brother, Older Sister — a programme that changes the lives of children, as well as the lives of its volunteers.

Older Brother, Older Sister is a long-standing mentoring programme that connects volunteers with children at risk of experiencing challenges while growing up, aged 6 to 14, with the aim of providing:

• emotional support,
• friendship and a positive role model,
• opportunities for a healthy, happy and active childhood.

Through regular time spent together, the child has the opportunity to develop a sense of belonging, safety and support, experience new things, and build a trusting relationship with a stable and supportive adult.

What does volunteering look like in practice?

If you are selected, you will become a “Older Brother” or “Older Sister” to one child. Your responsibilities will include:

• introductory training before the start of the mentoring sessions,
• regular one-to-one meetings with the child, with activities planned together, such as walks, conversations, studying, sports, creative activities and more,
• two monthly support meetings with the professional team: a counselling session and a workshop for volunteers,
• continuous individual support throughout your volunteering and individual counselling,
• monthly group activities for all children and volunteers,
• a minimum of 15 hours of active engagement per month.

If you want to do something meaningful and socially valuable, be a source of support to a child for whom it can make a real difference, develop yourself, learn, and become part of a community of young people who share similar values, the Older Brother, Older Sister programme could be the right opportunity for you.

And there is something important for you to know: we will cover all expenses incurred during your time together. This means that you and the child will also receive a monthly allowance to use together for your activities.

Who can apply?

Young people aged 20 to 30 who can commit around 15 hours per month and participate continuously in the programme for a minimum of one academic year. The programme starts in November 2026.

The application deadline is 20 October 2026.

Apply HERE.

For more information, contact us by email at mirela.geko@prevencija.ba or by phone at +387 62 765 151.

Since 2004, the Older Brother, Older Sister programme has been bringing children and young people together through relationships built on friendship, trust and support. Over more than two decades, hundreds of children and volunteers have taken part in an experience that often leaves an impact long after the programme itself has ended.

You do not need to be a professional or a student of social sciences or helping professions. What matters is that you have the patience, responsibility, openness and willingness to be present — regularly and consistently — in the life of one child for at least one academic year.

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