Preserving and promoting sevdalinka, an integral part of the intangible cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while bringing cultural opportunities closer to rural communities, are the key objectives of a European Union-supported project in Sanski Most.

The project, "Sevdalinka as a Bridge Between Communities," has enabled children, young people and women from rural areas to become part of a positive and inclusive initiative, build new friendships and gain greater self-confidence.

Many of them, due to the distance from the town centre and the lack of regular transportation, have limited opportunities to participate in such activities, develop their talents or enjoy equal access to cultural programmes. To address these challenges, the project adopted a "culture in the community" approach, bringing cultural activities from the urban centre directly into rural communities.

Implemented by the Harmonija Association from Sanski Most, the project is supported through the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Municipality of Sanski Most.

"From our very first meeting, it was clear that this would be much more than a project focused on learning and performing songs. It became a space where children, young people, adults and older generations could learn from one another, share stories and smiles, and build friendships that will last well beyond the project's completion. Sevdalinka brought people together, but its true value emerged through mutual understanding, support and a shared sense of belonging to the community," says Alma Karabeg, music teacher and President of the Association.

The project is based on a mentorship model of knowledge transfer. Through structured training, two members of the mixed choir Harmonija were equipped with the skills needed to independently lead music education and pedagogical activities. In this way, the project not only strengthened the capacities of young people but also created new local resources that will continue to contribute to the community's cultural development in the long term.

Following the training, the newly trained facilitators began organising regular music rehearsals with residents of rural communities. These activities will culminate in the final concert, "An Evening of Sevdah," featuring performances by all project participants. The joint performance will symbolically celebrate intergenerational cooperation and the community's shared commitment to preserving its cultural identity.

In addition, the project organised a range of complementary activities, including competitions for the best visual artwork and literary pieces on the theme of Sevdalinka, as well as a group excursion to the Bliha Waterfall, one of Sanski Most's natural landmarks. These activities were designed to strengthen connections among participants, foster teamwork and promote social cohesion.

"This project has shown that cultural heritage is preserved not only through song, but also through the people who nurture it together. Sevdalinka became a bridge connecting generations, bringing urban and rural communities closer together, opening the door to new friendships, and reminding us that the most valuable memories are those we create together," Alma concludes.