A conference entitled “Strategic and multisectoral approach in the prevention of violence and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people” was held at the Hotel Mostar on Monday, May 23, 2022,and it was organized by Youth Power.
The conference was opened by Nedim Mičijević – Youth Power Program Manager, Sumka Bučan – CARE Regional Director and Saša Petković – CARE Project Manager. At the opening, the excellent cooperation was highlighted and praised with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports HNK, the Pedagogical Institute Mostar, Institute for Education Mostar and partner high schools.
The conference brought together principals, pedagogues and teachers of 8 secondary and 2 primary schools from HNK / HNŽ, representatives of civil society organizations, youth and media. It aimed to present the results of the initial research on youth attitudes towards gender roles, violence, use of psychoactive substances and sexual and reproductive health; which was presented by the author of the research prof. Dr. Srđan Dušanić. The research was conducted on a sample of 1,600 youngsters aged 15-16 from Mostar, Stolac, Jablanica, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Brcko, Sarajevo, East Sarajevo and Tuzla. The results of the research were presented during the conference and they will be used as a basis for joint work of Youth Power with relevant institutions and partner schools in the coming period, through educational workshops and active involvement of youngsters in activities within youth clubs (Be Men Clubs).
In the second part of the conference, Feđa Mehmedović (Institute for Population and Development), author of “Program E”, presented this innovative program for working with primary school students. Program E is a continuation of the work of all partners on strengthening the capacity of schools and the entire education system to recognize and prevent all forms of violence, but also the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Program E is based on proven practices, harmonized with the international framework for prevention and criteria for the effectiveness of prevention. Two primary schools from Mostar are already actively conducting educational workshops from Program E, with the support of Youth Power.
The conference was concluded by the girls and boys of Be a Man Club Mostar, who shared their many years of experience in participating in project activities. They pointed out that participation in the Be Men Club and the entire project contributed to strengthening their skills and knowledge, and that thanks to the project, today they have the opportunity to use their full capacity in their faculty choices, launching new projects and organizations.
The activity was implemented within the project Young Men Initiative III (YMI): “Promoting Healthier Lifestyles and Decrease of Interpersonal Violence among Youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina by Challenging Gender Stereotypes III“, supported by the Swiss Government, Oak Foundation, Austrian Development Agency and CARE International Bosnia and Herzegovina.
