OPENS YOUTH HERO

For the fourth year in a row, Exit Foundation and Naftna industrija Srbije organize the awards for the most successful young people in Serbia – Youth Heroes. This year’s award for young heroes is specifically organized in Novi Sad which is European Youth Capital for this year. Therefore, the award for the contribution to the work of European Youth Capital Novi Sad is given to Bojana Krgović, OPENS volunteer.
Who is actually the awarded Youth Hero?
I am just one of several hundreds of young people in Novi Sad who have found their place in a beautiful city which holds the prestigious title of European Youth Capital for this year. I have lived an average student life, I was maybe just a little bit more active than my peers. My main goal, as is the case with every student, was to finish the faculty. As the time went by, I have realized that we do not learn only at the faculty, but that we can progress and invest in ourselves every day in every life situation, so I started volunteering at OPENS.

Have you heard of this award before?
I did believe that there was an adequate award for every young person who contributes to the society in a way, but it was not before I won it that I had been aware of its significance and size. I am glad that there is something that follows the world of young people, that takes them out of anonymity and that it shows some accomplishments and contributions of ours to the society.
How difficult it is to become a Youth Hero?
For me, it has always been difficult to step out of the society in any way, from a group of friends and colleagues. As the time went by, I realized that if I want to achieve something and leave something behind, which I have always been led by, then I should really have courage. By this award, courage has stopped being only a thought and became reality.
Will this award change something?
I will continue to spread the energy I have, I want to encourage other young people to somehow do what I do, to be active and to help others in any way they can. I want to be someone’s inspiration, too. I have got the chance to do what I like and what fulfills me. I am a responsible person and I will try to be even more devoted and to develop any all fields.
How does it feel to get the award you can take in your hands and see? How does it feel to get the physical award?
I am glad that I have received a physical piece of evidence, it is not that someone has only patted me on the shoulder and that means a lot. I put the trophy at the shelf above my bed and I see it every time I wake up and every time, I am reminded of how much people appreciate my acts.

So far, the “Youth Heroes” contest has recognized 52 young heroes. This purpose of this long-term project is to single out successful young people, aged 15 to 30, from anonymity and to reward them for the accomplishments and excuisite contribution to the society.