🇧🇦 ESC Volunteering in Bosnia and Herzegovina 🕊️ Winter Solidarity and Peacebuilding Team 🤝

Description

Join an international team of 18 young volunteers for 15 days of solidarity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, split between two towns with different stories! Hosted by IFS-Emmaus and coordinated by CSV Brescia, the team will live in each community and take part in its local volunteering. In Srebrenica (first week), a place of memory and reconciliation, volunteers will deliver meals to people in need, support the Mothers of Srebrenica and visit the Potočari Memorial Centre. In Doboj Istok (second week), they will join the daily life of the Duje Reception Centre, assisting residents and children with disabilities, helping in the kitchen and in the sewing class. Visits to Sarajevo, Tuzla, Doboj and Gračanica complete the experience. Evenings bring Camp Olympics, board games and movie nights. Volunteers will become ambassadors of peace, solidarity and coexistence! The programme may be adapted to weather conditions.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

In Srebrenica, volunteers will stay in the Emmaus houses in Potočari, in rooms for 4-5 people with private bathroom, bed linen, wardrobe, Wi-Fi and laundry service. In Doboj Istok, they will stay in Emmaus facilities next to the office and kitchen. Three meals a day are provided in both locations. Volunteers receive 6 EUR pocket money per day. Travel costs are reimbursed according to the ESC distance bands: please do not book before confirmation. The transfer to Doboj Istok and all visits are organised by Emmaus. Bring warm clothes: November can be cold and rainy!

Training during the activity

On arrival, Emmaus staff will introduce the project, its rules and the historical context of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The first day includes a visit to the Potočari Memorial Centre, and two education days are also part of the programme. Daily guidance from Emmaus staff and team-building evenings will support group life. CSV Brescia will prepare volunteers before departure and follow them during and after the experience. At the end, volunteers can reflect on their learning and receive the Youthpass certificate.

Participant profile

We are looking for motivated young people aged 18-30 who want to help people in need and live an intense team experience. Ideal candidates are open-minded, flexible and ready to share spaces, work and free time in a multicultural group. An interest in humanitarian work, inclusion, peacebuilding and the recent history of the Balkans is a plus. No specific experience is required, but enthusiasm, empathy and teamwork are essential. Basic English is needed to communicate with the team. Above all, a strong desire to make a positive impact is key!

Activity details

Activity type

Volunteering teams

Activity dates

From 09/11/2026 to 24/11/2026

Location

Srebrenica (1st week); Doboj Istok (2nd week), Bosnia and Herzegovina

Deadline

27/11/2026

Project code

2024-2-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000266114

Topics

Looking for participants from

36 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina.