Association “Education Builds Bosnia and Herzegovina – Jovan Divjak” is a partner in the international Erasmus+ project BEYOND – Balkans Engagement for Youth, Opportunities, Networking and Development, a 24-month initiative focused on strengthening vocational education and training (VET) systems and improving youth employability across the Western Balkans.

The project is implemented within the Erasmus+ framework for capacity building in VET and brings together partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, France, Montenegro, Serbia, and other countries, fostering cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange. With a total EU contribution of nearly €400,000, BEYOND reflects a strong commitment to advancing skills development and inclusive opportunities for young people in the region.

BEYOND is based on the integration of innovative, work-based learning approaches, combining vocational training with structured volunteering (civic service) as a tool for skills development and social inclusion. By building on successful European practices, the project introduces models that enable young people to gain hands-on experience while contributing to their communities.

A key focus of the project is supporting young people—particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds—through targeted training and mobility opportunities. Participants will develop competencies in green, digital, and tourism-related sectors, which are increasingly important for the regional labour market. Through these activities, the project aims to improve the alignment between education systems and labour market needs, particularly in fields such as culture, heritage, and tourism.

The project also strengthens cooperation between civil society, education providers, and the private sector, creating a more responsive and inclusive ecosystem for youth development. By promoting volunteering as a pathway to employment, BEYOND contributes to building more resilient communities and supporting young people in their transition from education to the labour market.

Through international mobility, practical learning experiences, and the use of digital tools, BEYOND empowers young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop relevant skills, increase their employability, and actively participate in social and economic life.

Project Partners:

• Collectif pour un service civique européen (France)
• Institut français de Bosnie-Herzégovine (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Association “Education Builds Bosnia and Herzegovina – Jovan Divjak” (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Udruženje za digitalizaciju i informatizaciju KULTB
• Czar Educational Training Center
• Community Impact Accelerator – Zid
• Kulturni front (Serbia)
• Albanian Network for Rural Development

As a project partner,  Association “Education Builds Bosnia and Herzegovina – Jovan Divjak” is committed to advancing quality education, promoting equal opportunities, and supporting young people in acquiring the skills needed for a sustainable and competitive future.