The first youth house in Bosnia began in 1994, in the town of Zenica, in the midst of the war. It gave young people a place where they could play, learn, create and grow. It was a haven from the air raid sirens and artillery shells that were a part of their everyday existence.
Life is calmer in Bosnia now, but the effects of four years of war linger.
The society must be rebuilt, people must find new ways of living and working together, and young people have much learning and playing in which to engage. Today five youth houses serve children and youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They offer a safe environment as well as the opportunity to learn new skills, explore creative ways to express themselves and gain conflict-management skills. In addition to academic and computer courses, sports and recreation, art, music, dance and drama, two of the youth houses have a trained psychologist to help children suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The Zenica youth house has become a model for youth houses in other parts of the world where young people have lived through years of war or civil unrest.