Bosnia and Herzegovina: Empowering adolescents in partnership with Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence

04 June 2024, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina:  The Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Education and Science of Bosnia and Herzegovina and six cantonal Ministries of Education namely from Una-Sana Canton, Posavina Canton, Tuzla Canton, Bosnian-Podrinje Canton, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Sarajevo Canton, in partnership with Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and UNODC, expressed the readiness to conduct 10 training sessions of the Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence Program (LQSFA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and implement it in selected schools in next two school years.

The launch of this programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is implemented under the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe with special emphasis on gender, human rights, disability and diversity,  has been made possible thanks to the financial contributions of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and direct support of UNODC Headquarters’ experts from Prevention Treatment and Rehabilitation Section.

The primary objective of the LCIF-UNODC initiative is to equip early adolescents, specifically 7th and 8th-grade students in elementary schools, with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of adolescence and building resilience and self-responsiveness to the vulnerabilities typical of their age. Through this program, students will build resilience against risky behaviors, learn to handle stressful situations, and develop social and emotional skills. Following the training sessions, participants will implement the LQSFA in their classes, utilizing workshops and discussions with students. The handbook provided during the training will be a valuable resource for the implementation process. 

The successful launch of the program in six cantons will represents a significant milestone in supporting adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This collaborative effort among the involved institutions and UNODC has facilitated a seamless introduction of the program.

As the program expands its reach, more adolescents will have the opportunity to acquire essential life skills that will benefit them presently and in the future. By investing in youth today, we are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With UNODC's support and the dedication of all participating entities, this program holds the potential to positively influence the lives of numerous adolescents, contributing to their overall well-being and success.