CREATIVE AUTUMN AT THE YOUTH CENTER “ZDRAVO DA STE”

Through color, movement, shapes, and imagination, participants in the drawing and painting course at the Youth Center “Zdravo da ste” are capturing the world around them, expressing their feelings, and developing their creativity.

PHOTO: Ustupljena fotografija

This autumn, the center is again offering a variety of activities, courses, and workshops that engage young people, helping them showcase their interests and talents through fun and productive group settings. According to Snježana Blagojević, the center’s coordinator, no prior experience is required; pencils, acrylics, pastels, and charcoal are just a few of the tools available for their creative work.

“We currently have two groups of participants: children aged seven to 13, and a group for teens and adults. In total, there are 17 participants,” said Blagojević. She added that the course, a regular part of their program, is led by a student from the Academy of Fine Arts, and the monthly membership fee is 40 KM.

“The early sessions focus on basic forms and linework, then over time, participants explore different techniques such as watercolor, tempera, and three-dimensional drawing,” Blagojević explained. She noted that a break in the course will be taken during the winter holidays, resuming in February with the option for new members to join.

“We also offer music workshops, and soon, for the first time, we’ll be starting a six-month animation course for children over ten. Here, with facilitators, they’ll create short stories and make short films. The idea is to collaborate with some of them to submit these works to calls for animated films for children,” said Blagojević.

She highlighted an additional project focused on youth called “Stir it Up with Young People.”

“As part of this project, weekly cooking workshops will be held, featuring guests from the social and cultural sectors who will talk about their work and experiences while cooking together with the youth, encouraging social engagement,” explained Blagojević.

This project will also include a project proposal writing activity, where young participants will go through the process of planning, creating, and realizing two initiatives with the center’s support.

“Orange Day”

Snježana Blagojević also mentioned that the center will continue to hold monthly “Orange Day” events on the 25th of each month, to mark the Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. These activities help raise public awareness and have encouraged more people to report domestic violence incidents in their communities and neighborhoods.