As part of the Action Plan for visits to beneficiaries of approved funds, Adnan Bektić, a representative of the Youth Sector of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, visited the “Lotos” Information Centre for Persons with Disabilities in order to gain insight into the implementation of project activities and the results achieved through the project “Young Advocates of Inclusion – Independent Living”, which was supported by the Ministry through the Youth Transfer Programme.
The objective of the project “Young Advocates of Inclusion – Independent Living” is to empower young people with and without disabilities by providing them with practical knowledge and skills in the fields of advocacy, independent living, and social inclusion. The project focuses on developing initiatives that contribute to improving accessibility, the availability of personal assistance services, and the creation of more inclusive conditions for living and active participation of young people within local communities.
Project activities commenced on 5 May, marking the European Independent Living Day. Within the framework of the project, workshops for young people were organised in Tuzla, Zenica, and Sarajevo, bringing together approximately 20 participants with and without disabilities. The workshops focused on building connections among participants, exchanging experiences, and strengthening understanding of the importance of equal participation of persons with disabilities in social life.
As part of the project implementation, trainers were selected to lead workshops and support participants in acquiring practical skills necessary for more independent living and everyday functioning. Special attention was given to empowering young people to navigate time and space independently, as well as to developing their capacities for active community participation and advocacy for their own rights and interests.
In addition to educational activities, meetings were held with representatives of municipalities to explore opportunities for involving young persons with disabilities in decision-making processes and local-level activities. The project also envisages the launch of three initiatives aimed at improving the position of persons with disabilities, with particular emphasis on accessibility, personal assistance services, and inclusion within local communities.
During the visit, the activities implemented to date and the next planned steps in project implementation were presented. The importance of fostering connections between young people with and without disabilities, strengthening their advocacy capacities, and encouraging their active involvement in processes that contribute to creating a more accessible and equitable social environment was highlighted.
The implementation of project activities contributes to achieving the project’s main objective, reflected in empowering young people with and without disabilities to lead more independent lives, acquire practical advocacy skills, and launch initiatives capable of improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. At the same time, the project promotes the development of solidarity, mutual understanding, and the active participation of young people in building more inclusive local communities.
The Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports will continue monitoring the implementation of projects in the field, with the aim of ensuring the transparent and responsible use of public funds and providing support to programmes and projects that contribute to youth empowerment, the development of youth activism, and the enhancement of social inclusion in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
