In Veliki Rit, an informal Roma-Ashkali settlement near Novi Sad, young people like Medina are finding their voices and reshaping their futures. Despite challenges such as poor infrastructure with limited water supply, unemployment and access to basic health and social services, the “Poke the Bubble” initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented by the Centre for Youth Work (CZOR) and the Centre for Counselling, Social Services and Research (SIT), is creating pathways for empowerment and inclusion.

The project supports local community organisations from Serbia and Kosovo[1], enabling them to become strong supporters of young people. It works in marginalised urban and rural communities and helps young people to confront gender norms, social challenges and barriers to inclusion.

CZOR and SIT have developed a groundbreaking approach that combines the expertise of its partners, called the “Gender Mobile Youth Club” methodology.

A Beacon of Empowerment: Medina’s Story

Living in a settlement where dreams often collide with harsh realities, Medina, a 14-year-old aspiring to become a fashion designer, is rewriting her future through the “Poke the Bubble” initiative. Before joining the workshops, Medina lacked opportunities to explore her potential or develop critical skills. Now, through the Gender Mobile Youth Club, she has found a platform to grow.

“These workshops are fun but also educational,” Medina shares. “My favourite part is solving challenges together—it builds teamwork and problem-solving skills.”

For Medina, the workshops represent more than just a chance to learn. They empower her to break stereotypes and imagine a brighter future. “I think girls are smarter than boys, although not everyone agrees with that. If they could see it, they would believe me,” she adds with a smile.

Medina dreams of a future where opportunities are within reach for every young person in her community. “These workshops are precious, and I wish more young people could have the chance to attend them,” she explains. “Some won’t come because of their social circles, and some can’t because their parents don’t allow it. But for me, they are helping shape a better future.”

The “Gender Mobile Youth Club” Methodology

The Gender Mobile Youth Club methodology directly engages underserved and socially isolated communities, creating safe spaces for young people to discuss critical issues such as gender norms, human rights, and inclusion. By meeting young people where they live or spend their time, it makes the programme much easier for young people to attend.

The young people who take part work together to identify community challenges, design realistic solutions, and implement small local initiatives that promote equality and inclusion. Specially designed workshops, mentoring, and collaboration with local leaders give young people valuable experience and knowledge to be able to realise some positive changes in their communities.

CZOR and SIT are working with eight grassroots community organisations—four in Serbia and four in Kosovo. This means that the project ensures its impact is deeply rooted in local communities. These organisations are  Youth of JAZAS Novi Sad, OKULAR, Centre for Culture and Education Sonta, and Alliance of Professional Associations and Organisations in Serbia, as well as CECD-FRIENDS, Liza-R, Reconciliation Empowering Communities, and Roma in Action in Kosovo.

Twenty youth workers from these organisations participated in specialised training sessions on how to implement the methodology, supported by a detailed manual developed for the project. These sessions also fostered networking opportunities, strengthening collaboration among CSOs for long-term effect.

The project’s impact extends far beyond its immediate activities. In the coming months, 20 young men and women will be selected to become regional influencers. These youth leaders will participate in a four-day training on social media campaigning, learning how to create and share digital content that promotes gender equality and inclusion. Supported by mentors, the influencers will implement campaigns over six months, amplifying the project’s reach and inspiring their peers.

A Legacy Beyond the Project

While Medina showcases the transformative impact on participants, Milica Lekić, a passionate youth worker, exemplifies how initiatives like these also inspire and empower those who lead them.

At 17, Milica joined the Mobile Youth Club as a volunteer.

“The experience of volunteering in the Mobile Youth Club had a strong impact on my personal as well as professional development. I knew I wanted to be a youth worker and work with marginalised young people who have fewer opportunities. In order to further expand my knowledge in this field, I decided to study social work,” she explains.

At 19, Milica officially started working at the Center for Youth Work, where she continues to grow personally and professionally. Through her daily work, she has had countless opportunities to expand her expertise, becoming an integral part of the initiative.

“Of course, there are difficult days, and they usually remind me that I can’t help everyone with all their problems. However, it helps that I have a wonderful team of colleagues who mentor me and provide support in different ways,” she shares.

Through her mentorship, Milica uplifts young people like Medina and sows the seeds for a future generation of changemakers. Her continued efforts inspire others, making her a legacy of the initiative’s impact.

Conclusion

The “Poke the Bubble” initiative shows the vital role of EU funding in addressing deep-rooted inequalities and enabling local communities to improve their lives. By investing in civil society organisations like CZOR and SIT—renowned for their two decades of expertise in youth work—the EU demonstrates the transformative power of grassroots-driven solutions.

Based on their experience working with marginalised young people over many years, CZOR and SIT have created an innovative and inclusive model for youth engagement, bridging divides between communities often separated by social, cultural, or economic barriers. Their leadership provides a blueprint for smaller organisations, showcasing how collaborative, well-structured programs can address complex challenges.

As Violeta Stanković, Education Manager at the Centre for Youth Work, explains, the project’s name, “Poke the Bubble,” reflects its core mission. “We realised that many communities, particularly marginalised ones, often live in bubbles—isolated from one another, divided by prejudice or lack of opportunity. This project is about challenging those barriers, creating connections, and encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zones to engage with others,” she shares.

The “Poke the Bubble” initiative is more than a project—it’s a testament to the strength of collective action. It has become a movement to break barriers, unite communities, and create sustainable futures.

For young people like Medina, it is a stepping stone to her dreams. For Milica, it’s a platform to inspire others. And for leaders like Violeta, it is a symbol of what’s possible when communities break free from their bubbles, working together to build a more inclusive and united world.

Without a doubt, the bubble is not just poked—it is well and truly burst, and the connections forged through this initiative will continue to inspire and empower for years to come.

[1] This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.