YEA of the Month January 2022

Bojana Lalatovic has been a true shining star of YEA network since the very beginning. She and her team ‘broke the ice’ for implementing the first in a row of five online events by YEAs back in 2021 by addressing an important topic of “Building resilience by investing in skills and qualifications”. As an activist, game-changer and dedicated youth worker, Bojana continues to send a message that the educated, skilled and active young people really do have a strong potential to lead the Western Balkans region into a bright future. Furthermore, Bojana holds an MA in Law in European Integration from the University of Belgrade, where she is also a PhD candidate in the International Public Law Department. She worked for civil society organizations focusing on the EU integration processes of the Western Balkans and was a participant in the ERASMUS+ mobility programme. Apart from being a Young European Ambassador, she is also a Program Officer in the RYCO Local Branch Office in Montenegro (Regional Youth Cooperation Office).

YEA of the Month December 2021

Our YEA of December 2021, Vojdan Uzunov, comes from North Macedonia, and he is a student of Law. Although traveling and reading have always been his passions, during his time as a YEA Vojdan has thrived into an outspoken activist and a great speaker on topics that are relevant for the young people in the region. On this note, Vojdan is also active at his university as a member of a group that advocates for the rights of marginalized groups in North Macedonia. Vojdan is also an environmentalist, he loves to walk or cycle as much as possible while helping people understand that cars should only be used as a necessity. We cannot wait for him to jump into the shoes of a young trainer for Media Literacy – helping his peers understand how media works and how to use critical thinking for better understanding.

YEA of the Month November 2021

Teodora Cekic is a Young European Ambassador from Serbia. From the very beginning when she joined YEA, we could hear the music playing! Apart from currently being a teacher of music education in Leskovac, Teodora was a member of a number of choirs and vocal ensembles, while she also participated in various festivals worldwide. Moreover, Teodora finished her studies in Russia at the Belgorod State Institute of Arts and Culture, where she completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with honors in Music Arts. Teodora was a valuable Team Leader of YEA event dedicated to cultural diversity in Western Balkans, and she showed great initiative in facilitating a working group on WB EU Youth Forum in Rome dedicated to the same topic. We can’t wait for new melodies coming from this YEA who finds life inspiration in music, art, and culture!

YEA of the Month October 2021

Eris Çunaku is a Young European Ambassador from Kosovo. Eris grew with YEA into a bright, enthusiastic young game-changer interested in a broad range of topics. With a diploma in Management of Web and Mobile Development and a minor in Public Policy, Eris is passionate about youth activism and the protection of our environment, as he believes these two topics are crucial towards ensuring an active civil society and a safe world to live in. He also hosted an inspiring talk on creative expression and activism through photography with Meeri Koutaniemi during the Power of the Hashtag WeBalkans event in April 2021. Eris, we are confident that the best is yet to come – so we are looking forward to your future initiatives and creative ideas. Well done!

YEA of the Month September 2021

Dzulisa Otuzbir is a Young European Ambassador from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dzulisa is one of the strongest YEA voices when it comes to motivating youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be more active in the fields of regional cooperation and European affairs. Pursuing her Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy at the University of Sarajevo, she has a great desire to join forces with young people who are willing to make positive changes in the region. Her moderation role at this year’s European Youth Event in Strasbourg was her shining moment, as she managed to make bridges and join young people from all over Europe together in discussion.

YEA of the Month August 2021

Amina Kaja is a Young European Ambassador from Kosovo. Amina represents a true creative expression of YEA. She is a great example of how we can turn activism into art, and art into activism. Through her poetry, creativity, but also meticulous scientific approach (she is studying for a neurosurgeon) she inspires her peers to become more active in different fields – youth engagement, environment, culture, human rights. Amina transforms her unique creative persona into a young and engaged game-changer wherever she goes. We are eager to follow her road of inspiration in the years to come!

YEA of the Month June 2021

Dona is a Young European Ambassador from North Macedonia. Dona has shown her dedication and motivation to be a voice of youth since the very beginning of our journey. By taking active part in the ‘She Leads’ event by YEAs which focused on female empowerment, discussing youth activism in a debate on Balkan Trafik festival, but also starring as a guest on regional podcasts dedicated to youth – Dona continues to inspire her peers to contribute to the society by showing initiative. We can’t wait for her next step on the journey of changing the world one good deed at the time!