Recently, representatives of the Youth Bank Initiatives (YBI) from Ukraine returned from an international exchange in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ukraine was represented by participants from the YBIs of Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Boryslav, Kovel, Kharkiv, and Novoyavorivsk.
During meetings with the Youth Bank team in Tuzla, participants discussed approaches to how Youth Banks operate in our countries. In Bosnia, YBI teams include up to 50 participants (mostly high school students), with full team renewal happening every year, and summer camps being organized for orientation and training. An important feature is that funding for youth projects is provided by the local community foundation, whereas in Ukraine, YBI participants themselves carry out fundraising activities.
- “It was incredibly valuable to see how YBIs work abroad, talk to international colleagues, improve my English, and get to know the Ukrainian team even better. It’s not just about experience — it’s about new friends and the desire to move forward,” – Nastia, participant of YBI Zhytomyr.
- “What impressed me the most was their camp — an open, friendly space where young people can demonstrate their impact on the community. After this trip, I’m even more inspired to develop YBI in my own city,” – Anastasiia from YBI Kovel.
Participants noted both similarities and differences in their work.
Ukrainian YBIs often operate under shelling, with teenagers taking on more responsibility and solving problems in emergency conditions.
In Bosnia, however, the work is more measured, with an analytical approach, while also being open to new participants and supportive of youth involvement.
- “This exchange taught me to see more broadly. If something works a certain way for us, it doesn’t mean it will work the same in another country. And vice versa — we can learn, adapt, and change,” – Sofiia from YBI Hostomel.
A particularly warm memory was the cultural evening, during which participants from both countries exchanged traditions. Bosnian youth taught the Ukrainian participants traditional dances, while our team sang Ukrainian songs. They also enjoyed national dishes together — it was a great opportunity to learn more and feel each other’s cultures.
We sincerely thank all exchange participants, and especially our partners @fondacija_tuzlanske_zajednice — for their support and the valuable experience!
