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Inspire Bosnia and Herzegovina 2027

From July 5 - July 14 and July 18 - July 27, volunteers will engage with local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, running educational and psychosocial support programs for vulnerable children and youth, taking part in community service projects, including distributing essential supplies to support vulnerable families in the region. This transformative journey provides unique insight into the region’s culture, history, and challenges.

Highlights

  • Cohort 1: July 5 - July 14, 2027 (Sarajevo)
  • Cohort 2: July 18 - July 27, 2027 (Sarajevo)
  • Fundraising Target: $4,000 CAD per volunteer
  • Registration Fee: CAD $575 (non-refundable, required upon acceptance into the program)

Limited spots available! Applications will close as soon as capacity is reached.

Apply today

Program Requirements

The Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program seeks participants with the following qualities:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Able to attend mandatory orientation sessions and all required training
  • A sincere interest in humanitarian work and global service
  • Experience and passion for working with youth and children
  • Strong leadership skills and teamwork capabilities
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity, particularly in supporting vulnerable populations
  • Flexibility, maturity, and the ability to adapt in new environments
  • Ability to commit to physically demanding activities and extended days while abroad

Background

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most culturally and religiously diverse countries in Europe. In the 3.11 million populated country, it is possible to see a mosque, synagogue and church on the same street. The ‘heart shaped land’ is also home to artisans and craftsmen who have upcycled remnants of the war into compelling artistic pieces. The Bosnian war, which began in 1992 and ended in 1995, left 4.2 million Bosnians internally and externally displaced, destroyed infrastructure, and resulted in a collapsed economy. Ever since, the country has made significant progress in reconstructing infrastructure, state-building, and social integration. High unemployment rates and gender inequality have negatively impacted peoples’ ability to access nutritious food, education and healthcare.

Islamic Relief In Bosnia and Herzegovina

Islamic Relief started its work in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1992, where we delivered food, water, and clothes to vulnerable populations across the country. After the war, we established an office in Sarajevo and served communities to rebuild homes, schools, and provide Ramadan and Qurbani food packages. Through our emergency and development projects, we implement food security, livelihood, non-food items, education, and psycho-social support. Islamic Relief Canada particularly focuses our efforts on single-parent families and orphans in Bosnia and Herzegovina.


Our projects have included providing foreign language, IT, and Quran lessons to orphans and single mothers with the purpose of increasing their opportunity for higher education and employment, as well as agriculture and animal rearing resources to improve income-generating opportunities and food security. Winterization efforts include distributing clothes, blankets, heating kits, and other non-food items to help families better cope during the winter season.


In line with these efforts, the Inspire Volunteer Abroad Program aims to support orphans and vulnerable 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 learn about the region’s history and the lasting impact it has had on the lives of its people.


Since 2019, Inspire has held 16 trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina, running educational and psychosocial support programs for local orphans and vulnerable children.

Check out a previous volunteer's experience! 


Main Activities

  • Volunteers will embark on a 10-day journey, directly engaging with vulnerable communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Activities include:
    • Running educational workshops and recreational activities for local orphans
    • Providing psychosocial support programs that foster emotional growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging for vulnerable children and youth
    • Packing and distributing food and hygiene kits to vulnerable families and gain an understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
  • Furthermore, volunteers will have the opportunity to:
    • Visit local Islamic Relief projects in the area and interact with rights-holders to hear their stories.
    • Participate in organized sightseeing activities, including visits to Baščaršija, War Tunnel Museum, and other historical landmarks.
    • Visit Srebrenica and go to the Srebrenica Memorial.

Benefits of Volunteer Abroad Trip

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.

The Inspire experience continues beyond the volunteer abroad trip. Following the trip abroad, each volunteer will be required to complete a Passion Project, providing an opportunity to apply their learning and turn their experience into meaningful action within their community.

Volunteers who successfully complete all components of the Inspire program may also receive a CPD certificate, a globally recognized leadership development credential.

Upon completion of the program, letters of reference are available to participants upon request.

We also encourage Inspire alumni to continue their humanitarian journey by staying involved with Islamic Relief Canada and exploring opportunities to volunteer and contribute to meaningful humanitarian efforts beyond the program.

Apply today


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 and Herzegovina, 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. Funds may also 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 and Herzegovina
  • Group meals and organized group activities


Volunteers are responsible for:

  • Flights to and from Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Mandatory health and travel insurance
  • Personal expenses not related to group logistics
  • Expenses related to the VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check) application

Pre-Trip Training

All accepted participants must attend mandatory orientation sessions and complete mandatory pre-trip training, which includes:

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

Training sessions will be approximately 1-2 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.”  ​