Youth on the Move at Lake Bor: Three-Day Seminar Brought Together High School Students from Seven Cities

Organized by the Zaječar Initiative, a three-day seminar was held from June 27 to 29 at Hotel Jezero on Lake Bor as part of the Youth on the Move program. The event gathered high school students from seven schools across eastern and southern Serbia: the Technical School Zaječar, Kladovo Secondary School, Food Technology and Chemistry School Niš, “Mile Arsenijević-Bandera” Gymnasium in Majdanpek, Economic and Trade School Bor, Knjaževac Gymnasium, and the Second Kragujevac Gymnasium.

On the first day of the seminar, students presented local initiatives they had implemented in their schools through the program. These actions focused on addressing community challenges and empowering youth to identify problems and propose solutions within their local environments. It was truly inspiring to witness the dedication, creativity, and energy these students invested in making positive changes.

The second and third days were dedicated to workshops on public speaking and debate. Participants practiced argumentation, rhetoric, and critical thinking. These skills contribute directly to their civic and personal development and strengthen their voice within their communities.

"Youth on the Move" is a program by the Zaječar Initiative that supports high school students in developing and implementing projects that promote democracy and active citizenship. Through this program, students have the opportunity to design and carry out ideas that bring positive change to their communities, with financial and mentorship support of up to $700.

The program is part of a broader Zaječar Initiative effort, ZIMAN, and aims to provide young people with additional opportunities for democratic and civic education through activities they initiate and lead themselves. With many years of experience working with youth, the Zaječar Initiative supports young people in making their voices heard and becoming active participants in social change.

Youth on the Move is implemented by the Zaječar Initiative with the support of the National Endowment for Democracy.