The Older Brother, Older Sister program is based on long-term, friendly, and supportive relationships between children and adult volunteers, with the aim of providing stability, emotional support, and positive life experiences. Partnerships with cultural institutions such as this one play a particularly important role, as they create opportunities for children to learn, develop empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the social context in which they are growing up.

As an institution dedicated to preserving memories of childhoods marked by war, the War Childhood Museum clearly demonstrates through this cooperation that culture is not only a space for remembrance, but also an active ally in building a safer and more empathetic society. Providing free admission to mentoring pairs sends a strong message that children and their mental and emotional well-being are a shared responsibility. This cooperation further highlights the importance of intersectoral collaboration in the fields of prevention and support for children and young people, and demonstrates how cultural institutions can play an active and socially responsible role in preventing risky behaviors and strengthening protective factors among children.

The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre extends its sincere gratitude to the War Childhood Museum for recognizing the value of the Older Brother, Older Sister program, for its openness to cooperation, and for its continued commitment to children and young people. This support represents a significant contribution to creating a safer, more inclusive, and more humane environment for children’s development.

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One of the activities was a workshop for volunteers focused on self-development through photography, led by Aida Redžepagić, Director of the Sarajevo Photography Festival and recipient of Harper’s Bazaar magazine’s Woman of the Year 2025 award. Through both theoretical and practical components, Aida shared knowledge and examples on how photography can be used to capture energy, emotion, and progress in work with children, with a particular emphasis on ethical practice and the protection of children’s identities.

Speaking about the role of volunteers, Aida emphasized the importance of their continuous engagement and dedication, highlighting that their time is invaluable:
The volunteers are truly exceptional, and it is important to constantly remind them how valuable and powerful everything they do is. There is no amount of money that can compensate for the few hours per week that they selflessly dedicate to children. This message further empowered the volunteers and reaffirmed the significance of their contribution to the program.

December concluded with a New Year gathering and the distribution of gift packages to children involved in the Program. The packages were prepared by the volunteers themselves with great care and love, and each one was personalized as much as possible to reflect the interests and wishes of the child, ensuring that every child received something they truly enjoy. The funds and contents of the gift packages were collected through a charity bazaar organized by the Association of Students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, in cooperation with an OBSS program volunteer. Additional support for the New Year celebration was provided by Bakery Mrvica, which donated food for the children and volunteers, further contributing to the warm and festive atmosphere.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all volunteers, partners, and donors whose engagement and support made it possible for December in the Older Brother, Older Sister program to be filled with warmth, care, and beautiful memories.

The Older Brother, Older Sister program is grounded in the values of trust, consistency, mutual respect, and long-term support for children and young people. Through the individual relationships built between volunteers and children, the program creates a safe space for development, empowerment, and a sense of belonging. Activities such as December gatherings, workshops, and shared celebrations further confirm that time, attention, and genuine care are what make the greatest difference in the lives of children involved in the program.

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Iako brojni akteri iz oblasti sporta, kulture, obrazovanja i omladinskog rada svakodnevno doprinose dobrobiti djece i mladih, njihova uloga u prevenciji ovisnosti često ostaje nedovoljno prepoznata. Osobe koje rade s mladima, iako vođene dobrom namjerom i entuzijazmom, često nemaju pristup stručnim znanjima iz oblasti prevencije ovisnosti. Kao posljedica toga, u praksi se ponekad koriste neučinkovite ili čak potencijalno štetne metode. Istraživanja pokazuju da se rizična ponašanja i štetne navike mogu razvijati i unutar formalno organiziranih aktivnosti ukoliko prevencija nije stručno planirana i vođena.

Preventeen upravo prepoznaje ključnu ulogu ovih aktera i pruža im znanja, alate i kontinuiranu podršku kako bi njihov rad s mladima bio još sigurniji, kvalitetniji i dugoročno učinkovitiji.

Nakon što su predstavnici omladinskih organizacija i ustanova koje se bave pitanjima mladih prošli strukturiranu edukaciju, Stručni centar za prevenciju ovisnosti potpisao je memorandume o saradnji s organizacijama i ustanovama koje su iskazale interes za unapređenje rada s mladima, s ciljem inkorporiranja naučno utemeljenih standarda prevencije u aktivnosti slobodnog vremena mladih i svakodnevni rad organizacija.

Preventeen ne nameće dodatno administrativno opterećenje, već prilagođava standarde realnom kontekstu rada svake organizacije. Na taj način prevencija postaje prirodan dio postojećih aktivnosti, a ne izdvojena ili formalna obaveza.

Organizacije i institucije sa kojima je potpisan memorandum su:

• Udruženje „Zemlja djece u BiH“
• Fondacija Izvor nade
• Općina Ilijaš
• Centar za razvoj neformalnog obrazovanja
• BH Futures Foundation
• Nadbiskupijski centar za mlade „Ivan Pavao II“
• UG Nada
• UG Srednjoškolac

Preventeen se realizira uz podršku Federalnog ministarstva obrazovanja i nauke, s ciljem dugoročnog unapređenja kvaliteta rada s djecom i mladima i jačanja sistemskog pristupa prevenciji ovisnosti.

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Young participants in the program go through training in the fields of addiction prevention and health promotion, and they actively take part in designing and implementing activities focused on protecting their own health. One of these activities is the City Rally—a creative and interactive “treasure hunt” during which young people, through innovative and fun methods, explore resources within their local communities that contribute to healthy development. Program volunteers completed the necessary training and, in December 2025, implemented the City Rally activity in six communities: Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zenica, Mostar, Livno, and Goražde. They prepared a variety of diverse, creative, and educational tasks, which participants solved in teams through a series of riddles. The team that successfully solved the largest number of tasks within the allotted time was declared the winner.

Through this activity, participants gained new knowledge, had a great time, and emphasized that the experience was useful, while the volunteers demonstrated a high level of organization and planning, successfully implementing the event from the initial idea to the final stage.

What participants say about the event:

It was interesting for us; the most interesting part was talking to other people, especially those who are not from here. We knew we would come first—we really put in the effort. Even though we were disorganized at the beginning, in the end we managed to complete everything. The most important thing for us is that we had a great time.

I can say that this was one of the best experiences when it comes to projects we students participate in. I met new people, which was great. In this project we were divided into three groups, by colors, representing three addictions. Our task was to solve riddles in groups—some were a bit harder, some a bit easier. After this, we all got to know each other better and became friends, and we hope there will be more projects like this, with even more students involved and more challenging riddles.

It was fantastic—the tasks were very creative, and the riddles were really well designed. The walking was a bit tiring, but that’s nothing for us. There were many interesting tasks, and everything was excellent.

You can read more about the Preventeen program here.

*The Preventeen program is implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Science.

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Through interactive workshops, many topics were addressed with the volunteers, such as addiction prevention and health promotion, the development of a positive self-image, and the development of skills including teamwork, assertive communication, critical thinking, understanding emotions, and many others.

In addition to skill-development workshops, volunteers actively took part in various events where they prepared non-alcoholic cocktails as part of the Boombar bar, thus promoting healthier ways of socializing and having fun. This practical engagement enabled them to gain certain skills through experience that are applicable in everyday life.

The final workshop of this cycle was held on 21 December 2025, during which volunteers had the opportunity to reflect on their one-year volunteer engagement and recall the key things they had learned and would carry forward with them.

Our volunteers not only learned a great deal about themselves and community work, but also made a significant contribution to promoting healthier habits in society. What it is like to be part of the Boombar project was shared by the volunteers themselves:

Being part of the Boombar program was a very, very beautiful and useful experience that brought me new knowledge as well as the opportunity to meet wonderful people. The program was interesting, relaxed, and inspiring, and the workshops encouraged me to think differently and work on myself. I would definitely recommend Boombar to all young people who want to learn, socialize, and grow in a positive environment. .

It was great working with the team, meeting new people, and seeing how our cocktails and smiles can positively influence others while we promote a healthy way of having fun.

Being in the Boombar program was very useful and educational. I learned a lot about prevention and healthy life choices. The program was interesting and interactive, which makes it different from ordinary lectures. I would warmly recommend other young people to get involved because it is truly worthwhile and can positively impact their lives. .

The dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers showed that young people truly want to be active participants in building a healthier and higher-quality society. It is up to us to continue providing support and opportunities for young people so that, through their engagement, they can keep contributing to a better and brighter future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You can read more about the Boombar project here.

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Dance as the First Step in Building a Relationship

The first group activity of the 2025/2026 cycle was held on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at the premises of the Sports and Dance Club Throne. The activity was filled with laughter, energy, and rhythm. Volunteers and children had the opportunity to learn the basic steps of cha-cha-cha and the English waltz. The activity delighted all participants, and some children showed a special interest in continuing to learn dance and develop new skills.

The host of this joyful and dynamic activity was the Sports and Dance Club Throne, which demonstrated strong social responsibility and kindly opened the doors of its hall to us. Young trainers from the club patiently guided the children and volunteers through their first dance steps, creating an atmosphere of support, play, and a safe space for learning.

Giving Back to the Community Is the Rhythm That Drives Us

Representatives of SPK Throne emphasized that it is an honor for them to be part of a program that encourages the development of children and young people.

As highlighted by Alma Selimović, the founder of the club:

At the Sports and Dance Club Throne, we bring together professional dancers and beginners of all ages. We believe it is very important to share knowledge and provide support for the growth of children and young people. The Older Brother, Older Sister program has such an important mission, and we are happy that we were able to provide dance classes for the volunteers and children involved in this program. Our club is socially responsible, and giving back to the community is the rhythm that drives us.

Their mission is to create an environment in which every member can feel motivated, supported, and inspired to grow.

Gratitude and the Joy of New Beginnings

This first activity is just an introduction to an eight-month journey that will be full of challenges, learning, support, and shared growth.

We would like to thank SPK Throne and their trainers for their hospitality and the wonderful energy that marked the beginning of this cycle.

With the support of professionals, the motivation of volunteers, and the smiles of children, the Older Brother, Older Sister program continues its mission—to build bridges, strengthen relationships, and change lives for the better.

*The Older Brother, Older Sister program is implemented each year by the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre, in cooperation with the Public Institution Cantonal Centre for Social Work and the Cantonal Public Institution Home for Children Without Parental Care. Their professional associates—social workers, pedagogues, and psychologists monitor and support the work of volunteers and children.

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During the two-day training, volunteers were introduced to the basic principles of mentoring relationships, the importance of emotional support and trust-building, and ways in which simple shared activities—such as conversations, walks, games, or help with schoolwork—can help them become a positive figure in a child’s life.

Through interactive workshops and work with program facilitators, participants discussed empathy, communication, boundaries, and responsibility, and received practical guidelines for working with children aged 6 to 14. The training was also an opportunity for them to connect with one another, share their expectations and concerns, and understand how a sincere relationship can change the lives of both the child and the volunteer.

In the coming period, the “older brothers” and “older sisters” will begin spending time with the children, with continuous support from the professional team, as well as regular meetings and workshops.

The Older Brother, Older Sister program, implemented by the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre since 2004, connects volunteers with children who need additional attention, warmth, and a sense of security. Over the past twenty years, this mentoring program has changed hundreds of lives and built a network of young people who believe in the importance of togetherness, kindness, and mutual support.

The new volunteers emphasized that they are looking forward to volunteering and taking on responsibility, and that they feel a strong need to contribute to the Older Brother, Older Sister program.

The core idea of volunteering can be summed up in the belief that what truly belongs to us is what we selflessly give. And that is precisely the most beautiful and meaningful part of this program.

The training was held in cooperation with the Foundation for Support and Development of Mentorship Older Brother, Older Sister.

Ajna Maličbegović

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All participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of addiction prevention and health promotion in the context of youth work. Over four days of intensive workshops and lectures, various topics were addressed ranging from evidence-based prevention, international standards, and epidemiology to youth work and leadership. Participants gained practical guidelines to help improve the quality of their work and contribute to creating a healthier environment for children and young people.

During the training, participants were introduced, through practical exercises, to methods and tools for addiction prevention, as well as ways to integrate these approaches into the daily work of their organizations.

The project also enabled participants to network, exchange experiences, and establish lasting professional contacts — a key prerequisite for successfully applying newly acquired knowledge in the joint effort to combat addiction and create a safer and healthier environment for children and youth.

Majda Divković, Coordinator at the Udruženje Zemlja djece u Bosni i Hercegovini from Tuzla, stated:

I am glad that I attended all four days of the training. I would especially highlight the topics of advocacy, communication with young people, and prevention techniques — areas where I previously had less knowledge, but which will now significantly benefit my work with youth. I am pleased that I will incorporate this into my work with the youth club, through various workshops and possibly even collaboration on a public campaign.

We would like to thank all participants for their engagement and contribution to the success of this training, as well as the organizations that supported their representatives’ participation. We hope that the knowledge and skills gained will lead to long-term positive changes in work with children and young people.

The training was implemented with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Science.

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The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre is announcing a call for young people aged 20 to 30 to volunteer in the Older Brother, Older Sister programme – a unique mentoring programme that changes the lives of children, as well as the volunteers themselves!

Older Brother, Older Sister is a long-standing mentoring programme that connects volunteers with children at risk, aged 6–14, with the aim of providing:
• emotional support,
• friendship and a positive role model,
• opportunities for a healthy, happy, and active childhood.

Through spending time with you, a child gains the opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, safety, and support that they may not have in their everyday life. Your time and attention can make a real difference.

What does it look like in practice?
If selected, you become an “older brother” or “older sister” to one child, and your responsibilities include:
• A two-day introductory training (October 11–12, 2025)
• Regular meetings with the child, planned together – walks, conversations, help with homework, sports or creative activities
• Two monthly support meetings with the professional team – one advisory meeting and one workshop for volunteers
• Occasional joint activities for all volunteers and children (excursions, workshops, games)
• A minimum of 15 hours of active engagement per month
• Reimbursement of meeting expenses – a small allowance for your activities together

If you want to do something meaningful and socially beneficial, be a source of support for a child who truly needs it, develop yourself, learn, and become part of a community of young people who share similar values – the Older Brother, Older Sister programme is the right opportunity for you!

Who can apply?
Young people between the ages of 20 and 30 who can dedicate around 15 hours per month from October 2025 to June 2026.
The application deadline is September 30, 2025 9. 2025. Apply HERE.
For more information, write to: mirela.geko@prevencija.ba

Since 2004, the Older Brother, Older Sister programme has connected hundreds of children with volunteers who changed their childhoods – and vice versa. These stories of friendship, trust, and growth continue to this day.
You don’t have to be an expert. It is enough to have heart, patience, and the willingness to be there and truly matter to someone.

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If you are a high school student from Goražde, Livno, Mostar, Tuzla, Sarajevo, or Zenica, we have a great opportunity for you!
Join the Preventeen project and spend your free time in an interesting, fun, and meaningful way – meet peers from other cities, learn new skills, and do something good for your community.

What’s waiting for you?

• August 26–29, 2025 – Introductory training in Sarajevo: fun, learning, and socializing all in one!
  
  
• September–December 2025 – Volunteering in your own city together with the project team.

What are the participation criteria?

• You attend high school and are between 15 and 19 years old
• You can attend all four days of the August training in Sarajevo (mandatory)
• You have 8–10 hours per month available for volunteering in your community

Costs? No worries!

Transportation, accommodation, food, and materials – everything is covered by the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE. Travel expenses to and from Sarajevo (public transportation) will be reimbursed after the training.

How to apply?

Complete the online application HERE by August 18, 2025. .
After that, we will select the most motivated and engaging applicants and inform you about the results and next steps.

For any questions, contact us at info@prevencija.ba or +387 62 959 188.

Join Preventeen – meet an amazing team and create an experience you’ll remember!

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