On October 16, 2024, an event dedicated to promoting civic activism among young people was held in Gračanica as part of the broader initiative “Awakening,” implemented by the non-governmental organization CASA and young activists from Gračanica and surrounding communities. The event gathered 28 participants from the municipality of Gračanica, providing them with an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss challenges in their community.
The main goals of this initiative are to motivate young people to engage in civic activism, connect youth from different backgrounds, and identify the problems they face in their local communities.
During the event, a panel discussion was held where panelists shared their experiences, reasons for engaging in activism, and examples of successful initiatives. Through a workshop, participants worked on identifying key issues in their communities using the “problem tree” technique, which allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of these challenges.
The conclusions drawn from the event indicated that young people are largely willing to engage and become drivers of positive change, despite issues such as the relationship with local authorities, environmental protection, and the emigration of youth from their communities.
The “Awakening” initiative, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), aims to empower young people through such events and provide them with tools for actively participating in addressing problems in their communities.
