The programs of the American Corner are becoming increasingly popular among the youth.
More than 1,000 young people from Banja Luka visit the American Corner every month. A large number of workshops and diverse content are becoming increasingly attractive to them. Originally founded with the aim of introducing Banja Luka residents to American culture in a more interesting way, it quickly became a popular spot for young people, where everyone can find something for themselves.
The American Corner in Banja Luka was established in 2005, in collaboration between the Public Institution National and University Library of Republika Srpska and the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At that time, the concept of the Corner was completely different from what it is today. It was created to promote mutual understanding, foster an appreciation of history and culture, and develop friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
It is located in the city center, and although it may not seem authentic at first glance, entering the space quickly dispels that notion. The technology available is particularly appealing to young people. There’s also a library where visitors can borrow books in English—completely free of charge! Users also have access to robots, drones, a 3D printer, and tablets, which particularly attract attention, as they can engage with technology they haven’t encountered before.
“I think that at the American Corner, you can learn things that aren’t part of the educational system, which is why it’s so popular among high school students. You don’t just learn about American culture here; you can also get useful information about education conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Besides English classes, which have been available from the start, there are also workshops on media literacy, basic finance, and other topics that young people need but don’t have the opportunity to learn in school,” says Bojana Lekić, coordinator of the American Corner and education advisor for the U.S.
The Corner is known for organizing numerous workshops, and one of the most popular is STEM, which is highly attended by students and high schoolers. STEM is a special field in science that generates a lot of interest, and it’s important to note that nearly everything is completely free of charge.
“More than 1,000 visitors come to the American Corner every month for various workshops. There are no restrictions, and everyone is welcome. I believe everyone can find something for themselves—STEM, English classes, TOEFL testing, exchange programs, Java and Python programming classes, and more,” says Bojana.
There are 10 American Corners in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the one in Banja Luka stands out for its activity and popularity. It primarily focuses on preparing students for studying in the U.S. and exchange programs, but also provides career guidance support. Writing CVs and motivation letters, as well as information on studies, are very important for high school and university students. The American Corner has strong cooperation with both NGOs and companies that collaborate on the workshops. High school students have the opportunity to develop new interests and skills and participate in the community through volunteering.
“I came up with the idea of seeking volunteers because I believe the youth here lack awareness of volunteering. There aren’t many places to volunteer, so it’s important to guide high school students towards it. It’s crucial for individuals to understand how much they contribute to a community and how avoiding responsibilities can impact society as a whole. I think conversations about society and community change need to start early, and the American Corner’s volunteering program is based on that,” says Bojana.
The American Corner in Banja Luka is the perfect place for anyone eager for new knowledge, information, and friendships. This modern multimedia center offers a rich variety of programs and workshops across different fields, with the goal of bringing together people with similar interests and a passion for learning.
