These protocols represent much more than the formal continuation of institutional cooperation. They reaffirm a shared commitment to creating an environment in which children have the opportunity to grow up with support, develop their abilities, build self-confidence and establish meaningful relationships with others.

Cooperation with social welfare institutions is particularly important for the effective implementation of the Older Brother, Older Sister programme, which is built on trust, ongoing support and the importance of positive role models in children’s lives. Through coordinated activities, information sharing and a shared understanding of children’s needs, professionals from different institutions help ensure that mentoring support is tailored to each child’s individual circumstances and serves as a valuable complement to existing forms of care and support. In this way, the programme contributes to the development of social and emotional skills, a sense of belonging, and children’s ability to recognise and develop their own potential.

Muhamed Musić, Director of the KJU Home for Children without Parental Care, emphasised the importance of the Older Brother, Older Sister programme for children’s development, highlighting the value of support that helps them grow, develop and realise their potential.

Draženka Osmanspahić, Director of the Cantonal Centre for Social Work, particularly emphasised the importance of cooperation between social welfare institutions and civil society organisations in improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable members of our community. It was also highlighted that cooperation with the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre in implementing the Older Brother, Older Sister programme demonstrates how positive results can be achieved through dedicated work and a shared goal.

Continuity of support for children is further ensured through the renewed cooperation with the Association of families of children and people with developmental disabilities “Give us a chance“, which once again enables children to participate in the programme this year. Such partnerships demonstrate the importance of bringing together different stakeholders who, each in their respective roles, contribute to creating opportunities for better childhoods and more active participation in the community.

The signing of these protocols and the continuation of cooperation with partner organisations reaffirm that joint action is one of the key prerequisites for providing children with long-term, high-quality support. Through the Older Brother, Older Sister programme, the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre and its partners continue to build relationships and create opportunities that help children feel accepted, supported and encouraged. Sometimes, the time, attention and relationship of someone who believes in them can make a meaningful difference, encouraging children to develop their abilities and step into the future with greater confidence.

The implementation of the programme is financially supported by the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation.

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Throughout the four-day training, participants had the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of addiction prevention and the work of the Adiction Prevention Competence Centre The sessions also covered communication, cooperation, collective action, and the development of critical thinking skills. Through various activities, participants worked on strengthening team connections, building team spirit, and developing their communication and active listening skills. The training took place in a dynamic, interactive, and fun atmosphere, offering numerous opportunities to exchange ideas, learn together, and get to know one another better. Particular emphasis was placed on creating a positive and supportive environment where young people could freely express their opinions, learn from one another, and recognise the importance of their individual contributions to the group and the wider community.

Both parts of the introductory training were led by Andrea Mijatović, Deputy Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre, and Ajna Maličbegović, Programme Assistant for the Macrosetting. Through interactive sessions, the trainers introduced participants to the project and the topics they will explore over the coming months. One part of the training was also led by guest speaker Aida Brdar from the Cantonal Public Institution Family Counselling Centre Sarajevo.

The A Thousand Questions, A Few Answers project is designed to provide young people with opportunities for personal development, acquiring new knowledge, and strengthening their life skills, while also encouraging them to take an active role in their community. Through educational and developmental activities, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their competencies, while their practical engagement will enable them to contribute to the community and identify ways to initiate positive change in their surroundings. In the coming period, participants can look forward to new activities, joint planning, and opportunities to put their newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice. The project will run until the end of June 2027, with the aim of empowering young people to take a more active role in their community with appropriate support and guidance.

We believe that young people have a great deal to offer their communities and that, through learning, cooperation, and meaningful action, they can become drivers of positive change.

What the participants have to say about the training

Amina Mašnić, volonterka:

These four days of introductory training were a truly enjoyable and valuable experience for me. First of all, the accommodation was excellent, and I was especially happy that all the volunteers got along so well and created a welcoming atmosphere. We had the opportunity to express our opinions freely, overcome our initial nervousness and anxiety, learn many new things, and find answers to questions we were interested in.

Mak Čelan, volonter:

I found the introductory training quite interesting and educational. I met a lot of great people whom I think I will stay friends with long after the project ends, and I improved many life skills that could be useful to me in the future.

Iman Kujundžić, volonterka:

The four-day introductory training was incredibly interesting and gave me the opportunity to learn many new things and develop valuable skills. I really enjoyed the great energy and am looking forward to continuing the project and everything that lies ahead.

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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.

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Ako se odlučiš pridružiti projektu Hiljadu zašto, nekoliko zato, očekuju te zanimljivi, interaktivni i edukativni sadržaji kroz koje ćeš učiti, družiti se i razvijati nove vještine. Projekt uključuje radionice usmjerene na razvoj životnih vještina, aktivnosti u zajednici, ali i brojne zabavne sadržaje.

Ako te odaberemo, obavezan/obavezna si:

– učestvovati na treningu koji će se održati u našim prostorijama na Mojmilu, na način da je prvi dio treninga planiran za 26. i 27. septembar, a drugi dio treninga je planiran za 10. i 11. oktobar ove godine (od 9 do 17 sati uz stalno prisustvo dvije trenerice)

– učestvovati u projektnim aktivnostima u četiri-osam sati mjesečno do 30. 6. 2027.

Dinamika rada će biti planirana i dogovarana u skladu sa školskim i drugim obavezama volontera i volonterki.  Mi snosimo sve troškove vezane za volontiranje (prevoz, hrana, osvježenje, materijal za rad) a od tebe očekujemo malo tvog vremena i puno energije. Nije nam bitno jesi li prije volontirao/volontirala ili ne niti kakav imaš uspjeh u školi. Certifikat dobiješ nakon završetka projektnog ciklusa.

Prijaviti se možeš ovdje, ali te molim da pažljivo pročitaš tekst jer se tamo nalazi dosta važnih informacija.

Za sva dodatna pitanja možeš se javiti na Viber ili WhatsApp, na broj  062 959 188 (Ajna Maličbegović) ili putem Facebooka Stručni centar za prevenciju ovisnosti, Instagrama prevencija_ba. A ako želiš znati više o našem radu posjeti neku od navedenih mreža ili našu web stranicu prevencija.ba.

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U ovom ciklusu učestvovalo je 36 mentorskih parova, uglavnom studentice iz raznih dijelova Bosne i Hercegovine i djeca iz socijalno rizičnih okruženja. Kroz individualna druženja i grupne aktivnosti, između oktobra 2025. i juna 2026. godine, gradili su odnose prijateljstva i  povjerenja koji su sigurno važni i za djecu, ali i mentorke.

Volonterke su redovno imale grupne i individualne savjetodavne sastanke, kao i radionice na kojima su radile na sebi. Stručnjaci iz različitih oblasti pomogli su im da unaprijede vještine i to od fotografije, preko mentorstva, do razumijevanja dječijih potreba i ličnog razvoja.

Posebno je zadovoljstvo kada pozovemo eksterne stručnjake koji su nekada i sami počinjali kroz svoje studentske dane kao volonterke i volonteri SBSS-a, kako bi održali radionice za rad na sebi i suočavanje sa eventualnim izazovima u volontiranju. Radionica koja je volonterkama ostala posebno upečatljiva, bila je ona koju je vodila Đana Lončarica, dipl. psihologinja, geštalt psihoterapeutkinja, porodična sistemska psihoterapeutkinja, dječja i adolescentna psihoterapeutkinja.

Kroz žive primjere, ogromno iskustvo, stručnost i empatiju, približila je volonterkama kako je i sama imala 2 mlađa brata od 2004., u prvim godinama implementacije SBSS-a u Bosni i Hercegovini, ali i kako da se nose sa eventualnim izazovima u ponašanju kod djece. Kako Đana sama navodi: „volonterke rade veoma važne stvari i ustvari djeci koja nemaju baš jednake i lagane uslove za život i rast, omogućuju im i modeliraju pozitivne stvari poput prijateljstva, dogobrog odnosa, dobre komunikacije i ustvari omogućuju djeci da ta pozitivna iskustva sutra u budućnosti pozitivno utiču na njih, da oni mogu posezati u vanjskom svijetu prema svojim vršnjacima, prema prijateljima, ali i u profesionalnom životu da prave napretke ojačanih emocionalnih i psihosocijalnih kapaciteta“.

Partnerstva koja su obogatila program

Ono što je ovaj ciklus dodatno izdvojilo jesu partnerstva s organizacijama koje prepoznaju vrijednost programa Stariji brat, starija sestra. Nakon saradnje u prethodnim ciklusima, tokom ovog ciklusa potpisan je Memorandum o saradnji s Muzejom ratnog djetinjstva, čime je saradnja formalizirana i postavljena na duže staze, a omogućava svim našim mentorskim parovima besplatan posjet Muzeju.

Djeca i volonteri klizali su zahvaljujući Hokejaškom klubu Medvjedi i Centru Skenderija, koji su obezbijedili besplatan termin, klizaljke i stručnu podršku trenera. Posjetili su i Sajam knjige, gdje su mnogi po prvi put istinski zavoljeli čitanje. Nastavljena je i saradnja s Udrugom Srce za bližnje kroz aktivnost posvećenu međugeneracijskoj solidarnosti koja je ponovo okupila djecu, volontere i starije osobe, otvarajući prostor za razmjenu iskustava koja, čini se, budi najbolje u svim generacijama.

Posebno se pamti posjeta Vijećnici, organizirana pod pokroviteljstvom Grada Sarajeva. Djeca i volonterke razgovarali su i družili se s gradonačelnikom Samirom Avdićem koji je spremno odgovarao na različita pitanja, zatim smo obišli stalne postavke unutar Vijećnice, te imali priliku da se upoznaju sa historijskim značajem Vijećnice.

Ciklus je zaokružen zajedničkim izletom, posljednjom prilikom da se grupa okupi prije zatvaranja mentorskog ciklusa, gdje smo se igrali različitih društvenih igara, odbojke, crtali…

Brojka koja govori više nego što se čini

Tokom devet mjeseci volonterke su prikupile preko 2000 sati volontiranja. Iza tog broja stoje mnogi razgovori, zajedničke šetnje, izrada nakita, sitni problemi koji su rješavani zajedno, tačnije sve ono što jednom djetetu znači da ima svoju „stariju sestru“.

Ipak, ne smijemo i ne želimo program svesti na brojke. Volonterke su djeci bile kontinuitet, sigurna odrasla osoba, neko ko dolazi, sluša, pamti i ostaje prisutan. U preventivnom radu upravo su takvi odnosi najčešće ono što pravi razliku.

Program je i ove godine pokazao koliko jedan pouzdan odnos može promijeniti tok djetinjstva, ali i koliko volontiranje mijenja same volonterke kako su same naglasile na posljednjem grupnom savjetodavnom sastanku.

Program Stariji brat, starija sestra realiziran je uz podršku Fondacije za podršku i razvoj mentorstva Stariji brat, starija sestra.

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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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