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CBM for youth: Erdit's Story

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I'm Erdit Zhuri from Mitrovica, I'm a student at HAMK University of applied Sciences and I study International Business. My interest in economy and politics made me more active in various organizations and initiatives since 2010. I graduated at Gymnasium “Frang Bardhi” in Mitrovica and during that time I was active in youth movements and initiatives. I participated in the Human Rights School for Youth organized by CBM and supported by Helsinki Committee for Human Rights from Norway, both at the national and regional level and this was my first experience within CBM.

Since then I and other counterparts from my hometown had chance to learn new things and also completed courses for investigative journalism at Mi2 and M-magazine which were part of CBM where I personally improved my English communication skills. 
As part of Community Building Mitrovica – CBM I participated in Educational programs about Human Rights, Peace-Building, Conflict resolution, hate speech, etc . Since 2010 I have been a member of the Youth Group ''Criterion Mitrovica'' where I had chance to learn more about NGO - life but the most important thing was that I became part of it because CBM helped me to improve my personal and working skills.

CBM helps young people in Mitrovica to gain experience about life, not only work. You have chance to develop yourself in intellectual level through projects and activities they organize, and this made me more confident to participate in other organizations and initiatives in Kosovo.

CBM is a life changing experience where you can create your own network, make new friends and overcome stereotypes. 
I wish and suggest to every young person to participate in their projects and learn how the volunteer work changes your view in different issues and makes you respect people for what they are. I can say that all information and skills I have learned there, are compared to with earning a degree. General knowledge is important in our century and you learn and experience lots of things that you can't at school at organizations like CBM.

And in this context I want to emphasize the work they do in peace building process. It will not be only my impression if i say that the only place where Mitrovica is united is at CBM office or in their conferences and training’s. With their actions lots of things changed in positive direction.

I think that youth in Kosovo should to be more active and with organizations like CBM, you can raise your voice about your needs - they support youth needs and development.

Since I’m not available to volunteer and participate at CBM activities anymore (as mentioned above I am studying in Finland currently) - I want to thanks CBM for motivation and support they gave to us (me and other young people), and to the staff for everything that they did till now and continue doing everyday to make Mitrovica a better place to live.

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