During the Oakwood City Council meeting on November 4, 2024, community members gathered to discuss the impactful Bosnian Youth Leadership Program, which fosters international connections and cultural exchange. The program, now in its sixth year, brings students and teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Dayton, Ohio, where they engage in discussions about democracy, entrepreneurship, and peace-building.

Miranda Brooks, the stateside project manager for the program, highlighted the participation of 18 students and three teachers from various cities in Bosnia, including Zenica, Livno, and the Bihac District. The initiative, funded by the U.S. State Department, aims to empower participants to develop project ideas that can benefit their communities back home. Brooks emphasized the importance of local host families, like Jackie Housal and Howard Cysick, who provide invaluable insights into American life, enhancing the overall experience for the visitors.

Teacher Jania Sutich shared her personal reflections on the program, expressing gratitude for the hospitality she received and the opportunity to connect with others. She noted the historical significance of Dayton as the site of the peace accords that ended the Bosnian War, reinforcing the program's relevance in fostering understanding and collaboration between cultures.

The meeting underscored the importance of such initiatives in promoting global citizenship and community engagement. As the program approaches its thirtieth anniversary next year, there is hope for its continued success and expansion, inviting more local families to participate as hosts and further enrich the experience for future cohorts.