For many years, COD Jajce has been actively involved in international volunteering programmes, providing young people with opportunities to discover new cultures, gain valuable experience, and contribute to the development of the local community. In addition to hosting volunteers from other countries, we also enable young people from our own community to take part in international volunteering placements, promoting intercultural exchange, solidarity, and mutual understanding.
Recently, COD Jajce welcomed its second group of volunteers from Italy, who will be staying in our town until mid-August 2027. During their stay, they will take part in various COD activities and projects, with a particular focus on young people, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and active participation in the community.
Who are our new volunteers, what brought them to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and what are they looking forward to during their stay in Jajce? Meet Laura, Davide, Ambra, and Giuseppe!
Laura
Hi! My name is Laura, I’m 28 years old, and I come from a small town near Rome, Italy. I studied languages and international relations and spent almost four years working in cybersecurity consulting. After that, I decided to explore a new professional path in the non-profit sector.
Earlier this year, I began volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps programme, supporting a local NGO in Poland through non-formal education activities and social initiatives. During the summer, I also took part in a short-term project in Romania. Living, studying, and working in different countries has further strengthened my interest in other cultures, languages, and social issues.
I chose Bosnia and Herzegovina for my civil service experience because I visited the country two years ago and was immediately captivated by its natural beauty, rich culture, and the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Through my work at COD, I hope to contribute to initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue, active participation, and the development of young people’s social skills. At the same time, I look forward to learning from the local community, gaining new perspectives, and, hopefully, learning at least a little Bosnian!
In my free time, I enjoy spending time in nature, travelling, working out at the gym, and learning languages. I’m excited to begin this new chapter of my life in Jajce, where I hope to discover more about Bosnia and Herzegovina and become part of the COD community!
Davide
Hi! My name is Davide, I’m 28 years old, and I come from Pietramelara, a small town in southern Italy.
I studied Italian literature in Rome for three years, which helped me explore my interests in books, history, and politics even further.
I love football and sports in general, and I’m also a big film enthusiast.
After my studies, I felt that I needed an experience abroad, so Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Jajce in particular, seemed like the ideal place to discover a new culture.
I’m also here to explore the town, enjoy nature, and, of course, discover the local cuisine! I’m especially looking forward to trying ćevapi, pita, and many other traditional dishes.
I want to learn Bosnian and be useful to COD, as well as to the wider Jajce community. It is important to me to actively participate in upcoming activities and projects and contribute to the organisation’s work through my engagement.
Although I’ve only been here for a few days, I can already say that I have a feeling ten fantastic months are ahead of me!
Ambra
Hi! My name is Ambra, I’m 28 years old, and I come from Cassina, Italy.
I’m currently completing my law degree, and I’m particularly interested in history, politics, human rights, and social justice.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching films, travelling, and discovering new places and cultures.
I decided to volunteer in Jajce because I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, gain international experience, discover a new cultural environment, and actively contribute to the local community.
During these ten months, I hope to learn more about Bosnia and Herzegovina, its history, language, and culture. At the same time, I hope that through my work at COD, I can contribute to activities that promote inclusion, dialogue, and youth participation.
I’m happy to be starting this new adventure in Jajce, and I can’t wait to meet the local community and become part of COD and its projects!
Giuseppe
Hi! My name is Giuseppe, I’m 23 years old, and I come from Naples, Italy.
I love video games, technology, and sports.
After finishing high school, I wasn’t sure which path to take and felt a little lost. Then I discovered the Universal Civil Service (Servizio Civile Universale) programme. My sister played an important role in my decision because she encouraged and inspired me to try volunteering and embrace the opportunity to spend a year in another country.
I chose Bosnia and Herzegovina primarily because I believe the project I’m participating in is very interesting and important. I’m also fascinated by the history and culture of this country and the Balkans as a whole. I love hiking, too, and Jajce has plenty to offer!
Of course, I hope to learn Bosnian and one day speak like a local. However, what matters most to me is doing my best, contributing to COD’s initiatives, and being useful to the community.
I can’t wait to explore new places, meet people, and make the most of this opportunity to travel around Bosnia and Herzegovina. And, of course, there are the ćevapi that I can’t wait to try!
Laura, Davide, Ambra, and Giuseppe have so much to look forward to – from discovering our history, language, and culture to making new friends and participating in activities that bring people together.
We believe their stay will enrich our work and bring new ideas, perspectives, and experiences to our community. We are happy to welcome them to Jajce and look forward to the months ahead!
