Youth Activities in the Balkans

written by Ena, Aleksandra and Milena, North Macedonian team, North Macedonia

People in the Balkans share quite an intensive amount of experiences, including their intertwined past but also present, especially in the cultural aspect. They share the same food, with some small regional variations, same expressions and mannerisms, and to some extent the same preference in music.





Meanwhile in Poland…

written by Nadia, Poland

Due to the pandemic and the growing media commitment to it, it seems that other social topics are neglected in Poland. The rights of the LGBT population have never been at an enviable level, but the latest news about “LGBT- free zones” leaves us speechless…



Two schools under one roof

written by Ena Duranović, Bosnia and Herzegovina

”Two schools under one roof” is a phenomenon that has existed in the educational system of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2003. Bosniak and Croat children go to schools located in the same buildings, but attend different curriculum programs, using different textbooks and languages…



Banning Phones and Social Media for Children: Solution or Temporary Fix?

written by Aleksandra Martić, Serbia

In recent years, the use of mobile phones and social media among children has become one of the most frequently discussed social issues. The rapid development of digital technology has brought many advantages, but it has also opened numerous questions about its impact on younger generations.



Issues with Youth Employment in North Macedonia

written by Katerina Kamchevska, Northern Macedonia

Like in many countries in the Western Balkans, youth in North Macedonia faces the same issues related to unemployment. In general, the job market is too limited and restricted to offer opportunities for the youth, starting with the capital, Skopje, and extending to other cities where the population and economy are significantly lower.



The conflict and forced recruitment: The tragedy of children and youth in Colombia

written by Marlon Ramirez, Colombia

For more than 50 years Colombia has been submerged in an armed conflict that has brought various consequences, among them the forced recruitment of children and adolescents, who are kidnapped by both guerrillas and paramilitaries to be able to continue the fight almost indefinitely…



Yugoslavia disappears, mixed marriages disappear

written by Marija Marinković, Serbia

The news that 14-year-old Mahir Rakovac from Sarajevo killed himself at the end of 2014. after harassing a student from the Turkish-Bosnian school he attended would not be complete if we did not mention that the unfortunate boy lived in a nationally mixed, Croat-Muslim family…



Deepfake and the Challenges and Hopes for Media Freedom

written by Mehmet Demir, Germany

Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence techniques, deepfake poses a significant threat to media freedom, truth, and democratic society. It allows the creation of realistic yet manipulated video clips. Through generative neural networks it can mask the faces and voices of well-known figures, creating compelling but false recordings.



How to feel The Balkans?

written by Tijana Pereska, North Macedonia

Always wondering why these Balkan people praise their countries? Simple. It’s in their DNA to embrace their Balkan spirit. Google does not know everything. One can never get a direct experience, but one can get answers on what some ćevapi look like, but not how they taste, where Struga is, but nothing about how it… Continue reading How to feel The Balkans?