Inspire Bosnia 2026

From July 17th - July 26th, volunteers will work directly with vulnerable communities and children to facilitate educational programming, home or school rehabilitation, and packing and distributing packages.

Highlights

  • Sarajevo and Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Fundraising Target → $4,000 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee → $575 CAD non-refundable registration fee is required once accepted into the Inspire program

Apply today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program is looking for participants who have the following criteria:

  • Over 18 years old of age
  • Able to attend orientation sessions and necessary training
  • Sincere interest and passion for helping others
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • Intercultural awareness and excellent intercultural communication skills
  • Able to work with youth and children
  • Formal or non-formal education or training relevant to the program
  • Flexible and adaptable in new, potentially stressful environments

Background

Islamic Relief has been actively working in Bosnia since 1993, dedicating its efforts to supporting orphans through one-to-one sponsorships, education projects, and the distribution of school supplies and food.

In line with these efforts, the Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program aims to support children in Bosnia and Herzegovina by providing psychosocial support programming. Our volunteer initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina offer participants a unique opportunity to engage with local communities, contribute to sustainable development projects, and give the chance of Inspire programming to orphan children.

Since 2019, the Inspire Program has conducted seven field studies in Bosnia and organized seven summer camps for orphans. Check out a previous volunteer's experience!


Main activities

Volunteers will assist in a summer camp affiliated with the ongoing orphans’ program to facilitate learning and psychosocial programming. Psychosocial programming is crucial for orphans and vulnerable children as it provides a structured framework for emotional support and mental well-being, helping them navigate the challenges of loss, trauma, and instability.

By addressing psychological and social needs, such programming fosters resilience, emotional growth, and a sense of belonging, essential for their overall development and integration into society.

This is carried out through a variety of activities, such as:

Team building activities and games

Educational activities to foster their creativity


Sports and fun learning activities of various types

Educational visits and excursions to explore the local community


Volunteers will also pack and distribute food items and hygiene boxes to vulnerable families and gain an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to:

  1. Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with rights-holders to hear their stories.
  2. Participate in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to Baščaršija, War Tunnel Museum, and other historical landmarks.
  3. Visit Srebrenica and go to the Srebrenica Memorial.

Benefits of field study

The Inspire program aims to provide volunteers with a unique and eye-opening experience, where they immerse themselves in a completely different context than they are normally accustomed to. This program encompasses the “give and take” principle; it is an opportunity to give back to vulnerable communities overseas whilst learning and growing skills in an enriching environment. 

After completing the program, letters of reference will be given out to participants upon request. Participants will also be encouraged to continue volunteering with Islamic Relief Canada following the trip to continue their humanitarian efforts.


Fundraising Process

Each participant is required to raise a minimum of CAD $4,000, which directly supports Islamic Relief Canada’s community development projects in Bosnia, as well as Islamic Relief's global emergency initiatives wherever the need is greatest. Your contributions will directly empower vulnerable communities, particularly children and youth, through educational programs, psychosocial support activities, community service projects such as school and home rehabilitation, and the distribution of food and hygiene kits. These initiatives address socio-economic challenges, build resilience, and promote long-term self-reliance. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, where it is needed most.

Your donation helps our rightsholders in various way; $1080 is used to sponsor an orphan for a year, whilst the rest of the money is used towards deliverables in the country. Additional money may be used in other high-need areas in other countries.

Volunteers will be supported with their fundraising through:

  • Personalized fundraising coaching
  • Tips for community engagement
  • Digital tools and templates for outreach

Please note, none of the donations raised will be used for the volunteer’s personal travel or expenses.

Accommodations & Costs

Islamic Relief Canada will cover:

  • Accommodation during the trip
  • Ground transportation within Bosnia
  • Group meals and organized group activities

Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Bosnia
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics 

Pre-Departure Training

All accepted participants must complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

(The pre-trip training sessions include one pre-departure session).

  • Orientation to Islamic Relief Canada’s values and humanitarian work
  • Fundraising strategy and planning
  • Group bonding and spiritual preparation
  • Cultural etiquette and expectations in Bosnia
  • Health, safety, and travel protocols

Training will consist of 2-3 sessions (approximately 2 hours each). Full attendance is required.

Reflections from our changemakers 

“I genuinely came back a different and better person from this trip. I came into the trip nervous and doing something outside of my comfort zone, but I am so happy I went. I learned so much about myself and the world around me. I developed a sense of self-awareness, global awareness, gratefulness, hard work ethic, and a deeper sense of spiritual healing.”   

“While working with the orphans in Bosnia, I realized the value of connection and the value of compassion. This experience is one that I will surely remember, as it reminds me of the importance of giving back and how impactful what you do for others can be.” 

“Throughout my trip, I was so curious to keep learning about Bosnia's history, and loved getting to hear first-hand accounts from fellow volunteers and local Bosnians. I really enjoyed forming relationships with the people on my trip, and will always remember the things they taught me.”  ​