news – Spin

SPIN Participates in International Seminar on Youth Participation and Democracy in Tallinn

SPIN Participates in International Seminar on Youth Participation and Democracy in Tallinn

From 25–29 May 2026, representatives of SPIN/OKRET from Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the international seminar “Beyond Polarisation: Youth Renewing Democracy”, held in Tallinn, Estonia. The event brought together youth workers, educators, researchers, policymakers, and civil society representatives from across Europe to explore how youth work can contribute to strengthening democratic participation, social cohesion, and resilience in increasingly polarised societies.

Throughout the four-day seminar, participants engaged in a rich programme of workshops, discussions, peer-learning activities, and exchanges of good practices. The event focused on some of the most pressing challenges facing young people and democratic societies today, including political polarisation, misinformation, social fragmentation, identity-based tensions, declining trust in institutions, and the growing influence of digital platforms on public discourse.

A particular emphasis was placed on the role of youth work in creating safe spaces for dialogue, encouraging critical thinking, supporting media literacy, and fostering meaningful participation. Participants explored practical approaches for engaging young people in democratic processes, addressing sensitive social issues, and building stronger connections between young people and decision-makers.

The seminar also provided a valuable opportunity for networking and international cooperation. Participants shared experiences from their local contexts, reflected on common challenges across Europe, and identified new possibilities for future collaboration. For SPIN/OKRET, the event offered an important platform to exchange perspectives from Bosnia and Herzegovina and learn from innovative practices implemented in other countries.

One of the key messages emerging from the seminar was that democracy cannot be taken for granted. It requires continuous investment in education, participation, dialogue, and community-building. Youth work has a crucial role to play in supporting young people to become active citizens, navigate complex social realities, and contribute positively to democratic societies.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this inspiring international gathering and look forward to applying the knowledge, ideas, and connections gained during the seminar in our future work with young people and local communities.

This activity was implemented as part of the New Power in Youth Strategy, hosted by the Estonian National Agency HARNO, while our participation was supported by SALTO SEE.

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Our goal is to contribute to the development of a society with positive values, a society that is recognising the importance of critical thinking, healthy lifestyles and providing equal opportunities for all. Spin is dedicated to creating and providing equal opportunities for all.

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Final Partnership Meeting with Young People Held within the MY PEACE Project

Final Partnership Meeting with Young People Held within the MY PEACE Project

As the MY PEACE project approaches its final stage, partners and young participants gathered for one last partnership meeting to reflect on the journey, exchange experiences, and discuss the impact created throughout the project activities. The meeting also served as an opportunity to look ahead and explore how the ideas, methods, and connections developed through MY PEACE can continue beyond the project’s official end.

During the meeting, participants reflected on the role of music as a tool for peacebuilding, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. Throughout the project, young people, youth workers, musicians, and partner organisations explored creative ways to use music to strengthen understanding, cooperation, and participation among young people from different backgrounds.

The discussion highlighted some of the key values promoted through the project:

creating safe and inclusive spaces for young people
encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding
supporting youth participation through creative expression
promoting peacebuilding through music and shared experiences

An especially valuable part of the meeting was hearing directly from young participants about their experiences during the project. They shared reflections on activities, workshops, and collaborations, as well as ideas for how similar initiatives could continue in their local communities in the future.

Although the MY PEACE project is nearing its conclusion, the partnerships, friendships, and learning experiences created through the project continue to inspire further cooperation and engagement. The meeting reminded everyone that peacebuilding is not only about discussions and policies, but also about creating spaces where people can connect, listen, and create together.

We would like to thank all young people, partners, facilitators, and contributors who have been part of the MY PEACE journey and helped turn music into a platform for dialogue, inclusion, and peace.

More information about the project is available at:
https://mypeaceproject.eu/

MY PEACE project is funded by Erasmus+ Jeunesse & Sport Alpeja Europe.

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Empowering Women in Construction through Skills, Leadership & Innovation – call for participants

Empowering Women in Construction through Skills, Leadership & Innovation – call for participants

The Women Empowered in Construction (WEC) project is proud to announce an open call for participants for our upcoming Learning, Teaching and Training Activity in Ireland, taking place in May 2026.

This a week intensive international training will bring together 20+ educators and trainers from across Europe and the Western Balkans to strengthen gender equality, professional competence, leadership, occupational safety, and innovation in the construction sector.

Why This Training Matters

Across Europe, the construction sector faces both a skills shortage and a persistent gender gap. Women remain underrepresented in construction-related professions, often facing structural barriers, stereotypes, and limited access to leadership pathways.

The WEC training program is designed as a transformative learning experience, directly based on the Curriculum Framework, developed by 6 partners organisations.

It combines:

Gender equality and workplace culture
Professional development and leadership
Occupational health and safety from a gender perspective
Digitalisation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in construction

This is not just a training – it is a space for reflection, exchange, and concrete action planning.

Training Format & Structure

Future Cast will host the training in Sligo & Manorhamilton, Ireland.

Duration: 24-31 May 2026 (first and last day of the event are travel days, while full working days are 25-30 May 2026)

Working structure:

- 3 sessions per day (90 minutes each)
- Non-formal, experiential learning approach
- Daily reflection and evaluation rounds
- Interactive methods: group work, simulations, role-play, case studies, national sharing sessions

The programme follows a progressive flow

Day 1–2: Foundations & Context

Day 3–4: Leadership & Professional Identity

Day 5: Health & Safety through a gender-inclusive lens

Day 6: Innovation & Sustainability

Day 7: Entrepreneurship & Action Planning

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for:

Educators and trainers in Vocational Education
Professionals involved in vocational training delivery and committed to gender equality in construction
Participants coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina and holding valid passport for travel to Ireland (nationals of other surrounding countries are welcomed to apply and ask for more information at info @ spin-okret.org

Participants should have experience in VET or educational delivery and be motivated to implement follow-up activities in their home countries.

What You Will Gain

By joining the LTTA, participants will:

Strengthen competences in gender-inclusive VET delivery
Gain practical tools for safer and more inclusive construction environments
Enhance leadership and mentoring skills
Learn about digital and green transformation in construction
Build a strong European professional network
Receive certification upon completion

Financial Conditions

Participation costs (travel, accommodation, and subsistence) are covered according to the Erasmus+ project budget and partner allocations.

How to Apply

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO APPLY.

https://forms.gle/GpbFXTmdwkqyfQUd9

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN ON ROLLING BASIS, LATEST BY 15.04.2026. – THEY WILL BE ASSESSED AS RECEIVED.

Building the Future of Construction Together

The WEC Training event is more than a training activity – it is part of a broader mission to create a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable construction sector across Europe and the Western Balkans.

If you are ready to contribute to systemic change and strengthen your professional impact, we look forward to welcoming you in Ireland.

Learn more about the project by visiting the project online space: https://women-in-construction.eu/

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Jačanje vršnjačkih edukatorica i edukatora za pozitivne promjene: Trening održan u Blagaju

Jačanje vršnjačkih edukatorica i edukatora za pozitivne promjene: Trening održan u Blagaju

U periodu od 9. do 13. februara 2026. godine, SPIN je organizovao petodnevni trening za vršnjačke edukatore/ice u Blagaju (Hotel Ada), u okviru projekta Future4Youth, koji se realizuje u saradnji sa CARE Balkans, uz podršku Marie Eberth Stiftung fondacije.

Trening je okupio 29 budućih vršnjačkih edukatorica i edukatora iz 6 partnerskih srednjih škola iz Mostara, Jablanice i Stoca: Srednje mašinsko-saobraćajne škole Mostar, Srednje građevinske škole Mostar, Gimnazije Mostar, Srednje ekonomske i ugostiteljsko-turističke škole Mostar, Srednje škole Stolac i Srednje škole Jablanica. Mladi učesnici/e su kroz ovaj program dodatno osnaženi da unaprijede svoja znanja i vještine iz oblasti vršnjačke edukacije te aktivno doprinesu stvaranju sigurnijeg, zdravijeg i podržavajućeg okruženja u svojim školama i zajednicama.

Tokom prvih dana treninga, učesnici/e su se upoznali sa osnovama Program Y metodologije, značajem vršnjačke edukacije i razlikama između formalnog i neformalnog obrazovanja. Kroz interaktivne sesije razvijali su komunikacijske i prezentacijske vještine te razmišljali o ulozi, odgovornostima i vrijednostima vršnjačkih edukatora.

Centralni dio treninga bio je posvećen praktičnim simulacijama edukativnih radionica, u okviru kojih su učesnici/e pripremali i vodili radionice na teme roda i društvenih normi, stereotipa, odnosa zasnovanih na poštovanju, prevencije nasilja, traženja podrške, rizika povezanih sa zloupotrebom droga, te brige o zdravlju i dobrobiti. Ove simulacije omogućile su mladima da steknu sigurnost u facilitaciji grupa, testiraju metode rada i dobiju konstruktivne povratne informacije od trenera i vršnjaka.

Završni dan treninga bio je posvećen refleksiji o naučenom, evaluaciji procesa i planiranju narednih koraka za provođenje vršnjačkih edukacija u školama i lokalnim zajednicama. Učesnicima su dodijeljeni certifikati kao potvrda uspješnog završetka programa.

Ulaganjem u razvoj mladih vršnjačkih edukatora, projekat Future4Youth nastavlja jačati omladinsko liderstvo, kritičko promišljanje te promociju jednakosti, nenasilja i zdravih životnih stilova među mladima.

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Strengthening inclusion in practice: Local training visit in Mostar

Strengthening inclusion in practice: Local training visit in Mostar

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.

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Erasmus+ Danube Peace Project Meeting Held in Emmendingen, Germany

Erasmus+ Danube Peace Project Meeting Held in Emmendingen, Germany

On 6 February 2026, partners of the Erasmus+ project Danube Peace – Learning Peace Through Culture gathered in Emmendingen, Germany, for a transnational project meeting focused on coordination, quality assurance, and further development of project activities in the field of adult education and peacebuilding.

The meeting was hosted by Outside Media & Knowledge and brought together partners from several European countries. The agenda covered the implementation progress and next steps across all work packages, ensuring alignment with project objectives and Erasmus+ quality standards.

A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to project management and quality assurance, with a focus on effective coordination, monitoring mechanisms, and smooth cooperation among partners. Partners also worked on mapping opportunities for peace education and collaboration within the Danube region, identifying good practices, stakeholders, and potential synergies at regional and European level.

Further sessions addressed the development of animated educational videos aimed at making peace education more accessible and engaging for adult learners, as well as the creation of open educational resources (OERs) that will be freely available and transferable across different educational contexts.

The meeting also included strategic discussions on dissemination and communication, including the project website and outreach activities, and on the organisation of future networking and in-person training events that will support knowledge exchange and capacity building among educators and organisations.

Through constructive dialogue and collaborative planning, the partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to using culture and adult education as tools for peace, dialogue, and mutual understanding across the Danube region and beyond. The meeting marked an important step forward in ensuring the quality, relevance, and long-term impact of the Danube Peace project.

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Prevencija ranih i prisilnih brakova: NVO SPIN/Okret na okruglom stolu u Sarajevu

Prevencija ranih i prisilnih brakova: NVO SPIN/Okret na okruglom stolu u Sarajevu

28. januara 2026. godine, u Sarajevu je održan okrugli sto posvećen prevenciji ranih i prisilnih brakova, uključujući dječije brakove, u okviru projekta „Pravo na budućnost“, kojeg finansira Evropska unija u Bosni i Hercegovini.

Događaj su organizovali CARE International, UŽR Bolja budućnost Tuzla i Fondacija Krila nade / Foundation Wings of Hope, uz podršku Aktion Deutschland Hilft. Okupljeni su predstavnici institucija, organizacija i stručnjaci koji su razgovarali o uzrocima, posljedicama i mogućim rješenjima ranih i prisilnih brakova.

Obrazovanje kao prevencija

Sumka Bučan, direktorica CARE International Balkans, istaknula je da napuštanje obrazovanja značajno doprinosi ranom ulasku u brak. Kroz Program E, mladi, posebno oni iz marginaliziranih grupa, učili su o zdravim stilovima života, prevenciji nasilja i jačanju samopouzdanja.

Uloga NVO SPIN/Okret

Tokom trajanja projekta, NVO SPIN/Okret aktivno je učestvovao kao edukator, pružajući mladima dodatne alate i podršku. Njihovo učešće na okruglom stolu pokazuje kontinuirani doprinos zagovaranju prava djece i mladih i izgradnji društva u kojem svako dijete ima pravo na sigurno djetinjstvo i budućnost.

Okrugli sto je pružio priliku učesnicima da razmijene iskustva, predstave rezultate i kreiraju preporuke za buduće aktivnosti u oblasti zaštite djece i mladih, čime se direktno doprinosi stvaranju sigurnije i pravednije zajednice.

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Presenting our work on WEC project

Presenting our work on WEC project

We are happy to share that Spin / Okret has been featured as one of the project partners on the official Women Empowered in Construction (WEC) website.

Spin is a youth-centred non-profit organisation based in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening inclusive communities through high-quality non-formal education and international cooperation.

Since its foundation in 2018, Spin has been working to ensure that all young people – especially those facing social, economic, educational, or geographic barriers – have access to meaningful learning opportunities, support, and pathways to active participation. With deep roots in local youth work, Spin combines hands-on facilitation with strategic project design across a variety of themes including youth inclusion, employability, digital competences, peacebuilding, gender equality, well-being, and violence prevention.

Spin’s expertise includes developing and delivering youth trainings, workshops, youth exchanges, blended learning programmes, and competence-based educational resources aligned with European frameworks. The organisation also supports the capacity building of youth workers, educators, and institutions to adopt inclusive methodologies and to scale positive impact locally and beyond.

In international projects, Spin brings strong experience in project coordination, partner collaboration, activity implementation, and dissemination through established networks with schools, civil society organisations, and community stakeholders. Our focus on innovation, digital transformation, and learner-centred design ensures quality and sustainability of project outcomes.

We are proud to be part of the WEC partnership and grateful for the opportunity to be presented on the project platform, showcasing our work and contribution to youth empowerment and inclusion.

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Stručna podrška realizaciji radionice o Programu E u Doboju

Stručna podrška realizaciji radionice o Programu E u Doboju

U periodu od 17. do 18. decembra 2025. godine u Doboju je održana dvodnevna radionica o Programu E, namijenjena predstavnicima i predstavnicama institucija, organizacija civilnog društva te članicama Ženske romske mreže „Uspjeh“ iz više lokalnih zajednica.

Radionica je realizovana u okviru projekta „Pravo na budućnost“, koji finansira Evropska unija u Bosni i Hercegovini, a implementira CARE International Balkans u partnerstvu s UŽR „Bolja budućnost“ Tuzla i Fondacijom Krila nade, uz podršku Aktion Deutschland Hilft.

Udruženje Okret (Spin) je u okviru ove aktivnosti angažovano kao stručni saradnik u realizaciji radionice, pružajući podršku organizatorima kroz facilitaciju dijela programskog sadržaja i primjenu participativnih metoda rada u skladu s principima Programa E i YMI pristupa.

Tokom radionice fokus je bio na prepoznavanju štetnih društvenih i rodnih normi, razumijevanju rodno zasnovanog nasilja, kao i na predstavljanju alata i metodologije Programa E, s posebnim naglaskom na rad s djecom i mladima u kontekstu prevencije nasilja i ranih i prisilnih brakova.

Učešćem u ovoj aktivnosti, Udruženje Okret je dalo svoj doprinos kvalitetnoj realizaciji edukacije i jačanju kapaciteta aktera koji rade s mladima i zajednicama, u skladu sa svojim dugogodišnjim iskustvom u oblasti neformalnog obrazovanja, prevencije nasilja i rada s mladima.

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MY PEACE music videos premiered in Bosnia and Herzegovina

MY PEACE music videos premiered in Bosnia and Herzegovina

As part of the MY PEACE project, a public video premiere event was organised in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina to present a series of music-based peace messages created by young people through inclusive and participatory music sessions. The event marked an important milestone in transforming youth voices into powerful digital content with the potential to reach audiences far beyond the local context.

The premiered videos were developed through a series of MY PEACE music sessions, where young people worked together with music educators, peacebuilding practitioners, and other stakeholders. During these sessions, participants explored themes such as peace, responsibility, coexistence, and the role of creativity in social change. Following the sessions, the recorded material was professionally edited into short, high-impact videos, combining music, spoken reflections, and visual storytelling. Each video aims to inspire action, raise awareness, and encourage youth participation in peacebuilding.

The premiere event brought together young people, youth workers, educators, peacebuilding advocates, representatives of civil society organisations, and members of the wider public. Beyond simply watching the videos, participants were invited to reflect on the messages, discuss their relevance in today’s social and political context, and explore how music and creativity can contribute to peacebuilding efforts.

Many attendees highlighted how powerful it was to hear young people speak openly about peace, especially in a region where memories of conflict are still present. The videos sparked meaningful conversations about responsibility, solidarity, and the urgent need to amplify youth voices in discussions about peace and the future of Europe.

To learn more about the project, you can visit the official project website: www.mypeaceproject.eu.

Spin is proud to contribute to this innovative initiative that empowers youth, strengthens intercultural dialogue, and demonstrates the power of music as a tool for social change. Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates and highlights from the project.

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