COD Jajce has been opening its doors to young volunteers from all over Europe for more than twenty years, at the same time providing the opportunity for young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina to volunteer throughout Europe. This year, for the first time in cooperation with the Italian organization Cervizio Civile AMESCI, COD Jajce hosted three volunteers from Italy who will live and work in Jajce for the next ten months, contribute to our community and participate in various educational and social activities.

Meet Sara, Orazi and Gaia – young and creative volunteers who decided to share their experience and energy with us.

Hello everyone!

My name is Sara, I am a new volunteer at COD and I am 23 years old. I come from Italy and studied political science and international relations. I came to Jajce because I want to get to know a new culture and connect with people from different life experiences. I believe that through the exchange of experiences we can learn a lot from each other.

I am especially inspired by cross-cultural exchange because I think everyone has something to share and something to learn. I like working with people and I like to challenge myself in new situations. I have been in Jajce for a week and I have been warmly welcomed.

In these first days, I had the opportunity to get to know Jajce, the association, the team and the activities in which I will be involved in the coming months. Although it is just the beginning, I already feel that I am learning a lot – both from others and about myself.

I’m really excited about this experience and look forward to what’s to come, as well as the opportunity to contribute to your community.

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My name is Orazio, I am 28 years old and I graduated in strategic sciences from the University of Turin in July 2023. I have been working as a business controller for the last two years.

I decided to participate in an Italian cultural exchange project because I always considered it a valuable and enriching experience – an opportunity to immerse yourself in a different environment and to expand your own view of the world.

I chose Jajce not only because of its beauty, but also because I deeply believe in the value of the project in which I am participating, especially its focus on the promotion of entrepreneurship.

I believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful way for people to realize their potential. I look forward to seeing how many new projects will develop.

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My name is Gaia, I am 25 years old and I come from Italy. I recently completed my master’s degree in international relations with a focus on Eastern Europe, which sparked my interest in the history, society and culture of the Balkans, and also allowed me to stay in Zagreb for a while for my studies.

After graduating, I decided to come to Jajce as a volunteer because I believe in the values ​​that COD promotes and I want to put my knowledge and skills at the service of their activities and community life.

A few facts about me: I love learning languages ​​and getting to know the culture and traditions of new places I visit or stay in, so I am really looking forward to exploring Jajce and Bosnia and Herzegovina from that perspective.

I also love music and have been playing the violin for almost 14 years, so I always try to take every opportunity to play with someone somewhere.

Although I have only been in Jajce for a short time, I already feel that I have been welcomed into the community and I am looking forward to what the coming months will bring!