From the 5^th to the 9^th of February 2026, project partners gathered in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, for one of the two planned local training visits aimed at strengthening capacities for inclusive youth work and advocacy in the Western Balkans. The visit brought together representatives of BtB, SPIN, Zanandrea, and AMUSE, alongside young people with disabilities, their assistants, and experienced experts from partner organisations.

Building skills for inclusive local action

The primary goal of the local training visits is to empower organisations in the Western Balkans to design and implement meaningful workshops and advocacy initiatives that promote the inclusion of young people with disabilities (YWDs).

During the Mostar visit, project partners shared their long-standing experience in inclusive youth work, disability support, and community-based advocacy. Through interactive learning sessions, discussions, and peer exchange, participants explored:

• practical methods for organising inclusive workshops
• ways to ensure active participation of young people with disabilities
• approaches to advocacy at the local and community level
• examples of successful daily practices from partner organisations

Each working day included four hours of adapted educational activities, carefully structured to match the pace and needs of participants with disabilities. This ensured meaningful engagement, accessibility, and equal participation for everyone involved.

Learning from local organisations and communities

Beyond the educational sessions, the programme placed strong emphasis on connecting with local realities. Participants visited organisations in Mostar that actively work on empowering young people with disabilities and promoting social inclusion. These visits created space for:

• sharing project materials and developed resources
• presenting good practices from different countries
• exchanging experiences with local civil society actors
• building new partnerships for future cooperation

Such encounters are essential for ensuring that project results reach beyond the consortium and contribute to long-term change at the community level.

Inclusive participation at the heart of the visit

A defining feature of the training visit was the direct involvement of young people with disabilities. Each activity hosted a diverse group that included experts,  young participants with disabilities, personal assistants supporting their participation and representatives of host organisations. This structure ensured that inclusion was not only discussed as a concept but experienced in practice, reinforcing the project’s commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and equal opportunities.

Alongside learning and networking activities, partners also used the Mostar visit as an opportunity for internal coordination and reflection. Dedicated sessions allowed organisations to:

• review project implementation progress so far
• discuss upcoming activities, events, and outputs
• align responsibilities and timelines
• strengthen collaboration within the partnership

The local training visit in Mostar marked an important step toward stronger inclusive youth work ecosystems in the region. By combining capacity building, real-life community engagement, and participatory reflection, the visit demonstrated how international cooperation can translate into practical local impact.

A second local training visit will take place in Mitrovica, Kosovo, continuing the joint effort to empower organisations, support young people with disabilities, and promote inclusive participation across the Western Balkans. Through these activities, the partnership moves closer to its shared vision: communities where young people with disabilities are fully included, heard, and empowered to shape their own futures.