Center of the Balkans

About the organisation

Center of the Balkans is a youth-focused non-governmental and non-profit organisation based in Bela Palanka, Serbia. Founded in January 2025, the organisation was created by a group of young people committed to improving opportunities for youth in a small community facing limited access to education, activism, volunteering, career development, and international mobility.

Our mission is to empower young people, encourage active citizenship, and connect local communities with wider European and international opportunities. We organise and participate in youth exchanges, training activities, volunteering initiatives, cultural and environmental projects, sports activities, and other forms of non-formal education.

Through our work, young people develop personal and professional skills, strengthen teamwork and leadership abilities, experience different cultures, and become more engaged in their communities. We place particular emphasis on intercultural dialogue, inclusion, environmental awareness, healthy lifestyles, and youth participation in decision-making.

Although the organisation is relatively new, its founding team has extensive experience in youth work, international volunteering, Erasmus+ activities, community initiatives, event organisation, and civic engagement. Our team previously implemented local youth projects in Bela Palanka focused on environmental protection, outdoor activities, volunteering, and community development. More than 200 young people from Serbia have already taken part in projects across Europe through our activities.

Our long-term vision is to help transform Bela Palanka into a more connected, active, and opportunity-rich community where young people can learn, participate, create, and contribute without feeling that they must leave their hometown to access meaningful opportunities.