Čengić-Banda: Job Search Club Restored My Faith in a Better Tomorrow

That it is more than useful for unemployed persons to participate in active measures implemented by the Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton, such as participating in the active measure of group counseling - the Job Search Club, is shown by the life story of young Azra Čengić – Banda, who managed to find employment after participating in this active measure.

After finishing the Secondary Medical School, majoring as a pharmaceutical technician, I completed a six-month internship and passed the state exam, after which I received a license to work. I also graduated three years ago from the Faculty of Health Studies, majoring in sanitary engineering, but I could not find a job in my field and was unemployed for two years - says Čengić Banda.

She found out about the Job Search Club through a friend who informed her that she could get professional support in finding employment at the Club.

-At first I was pessimistic, but I continued to attend because the leader of the Job Search Club encouraged me with her optimistic attitude and desire to help everyone in the group. I met other young unemployed people with whom I exchanged experiences, and day by day we shared our life stories and were mutual support for each other - says Azra.

The time spent in the Job Search Club, she believes, contributed to her realizing where she was wrong and what she could improve in her attitude that would lead her to employment. At the Club, she searched internet sites offering job advertisements, with professional support from a counselor, which made job hunting easier for her.

I managed to regain my self-confidence and faith in a better tomorrow, and I wholeheartedly recommend that young people definitely participate in the Club. Previously, I tried to get a job in various ways, mostly by applying to public competitions or through friends who informed me about open positions. However, I managed to find employment thanks to the Club and the mediation of the Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton. Although I am married and devote a lot of time to my family, employment is an important prerequisite for being able to meet daily obligations. The worst option is to look for a job but actually do nothing to resolve your status - notes Čengić Banda.

The Job Search Club at the Public Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton began implementation in 2014 with the support of the Swiss Government within the Youth Employment Project (YEP) with the aim of providing advisory support to young people in finding employment. So far, a total of 530 young women and men have participated in the Sarajevo Club program, of which 359 are women, and 243 of them have found employment.

This active measure is intended for all unemployed persons aged 18 to 30 who have been registered with the employment bureau for more than six months and who need intensive help in finding a job. The Job Search Club is one of the measures and services introduced through the implementation of the Reform Package of the Employment Service of Sarajevo Canton.