We have decided to do Tough Mudder, a 10-12 mile military-style assault course, to raise money for Novi Most in Bosnia and Herzegovina!

Novi Most is a UK-based Christian charity pioneering youth work in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Following three years of Civil War from 1992-95, the country is too-often divided along ethnic lines. An important aspect of the charity’s work is providing young people with new opportunities and activities regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

Most young people live in very segregated communities, reinforced by the entrenched political system put in place at the end of the war. The education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina still reflects many of these post-war attitudes, following ethnic curriculums and limiting opportunities for integration between different groups. Novi Most’s team of international volunteers and local workers seek to create an environment for encouraging creative skills that is not often found within the local education system, all the while encouraging integration between young people of different backgrounds. Novi Most have teams in four towns and cities around the country, and organising events which brings together young people from these locations is an important part of breaking down prejudices and building friendships for the future. The name, Novi Most, means ‘New Bridge’ in English, and encompasses the charity’s aim to build bridges between these different communities and ethnic groups.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has the highest rate of youth unemployment in the world, and young people face huge social and economic challenges growing up. Each of the four teams run regular courses for young people in their community. By utilising the strengths within each team, they endeavour to meet the needs of the young people they work with – courses can range from English tuition, to art and photography, to music lessons.

Novi Most’s volunteers and workers have over 400 contact hours every week with young people across the nation, from every ethnicity, bringing them together, giving them hope and confidence, sharing skills, giving them new experiences and empowering them to be instruments of transformation in their communities. Supporting Novi Most helps this important work continue.