Proactive citizens strengthen democracy (PRAGG)

PRAGG Success │How Activism Transformed a Community – “Duga” Gradiška’s Journey and PRAGG’s Lasting Impact (VIDEO)

In the heart of Gradiška, where strength often comes quietly and change begins at the kitchen table, one family’s journey gave rise to something much bigger than themselves. What started as a parent’s struggle to support their autistic son has become a beacon of hope for dozens of children and families in the region.

This is the story about the power of investing in people—when individuals and organizations are equipped with the right knowledge, they can create lasting change.

Years ago, when professional help for children with developmental difficulties was nearly inaccessible in Gradiška, the founders of Duga were driving 50 kilometers to Banja Luka up to five times a week, paying for every session out of pocket. What they needed wasn’t just therapy—it was understanding, guidance, and emotional support. And when that support didn’t exist locally, they built it themselves.

"We didn’t want other families to go through what we did," one of the founders shared. "That’s why we created Duga—to make it easier, to make it possible."

Over time, Duga grew stronger. Their work expanded—and with it, their need for knowledge, structure, and sustainability. That’s where the PRAGG project, supported by Switzerland, came in.

“We found out about PRAGG through social media. We applied for their activities in other cities, and after having such a great experience, we brought what we learned back here to Gradiška,” said Saša Kasagić from Duga.

Since 2023, the Duga team has taken part in multiple workshops and trainings across Bosnia and Herzegovina. These trainings—on everything from organizational development to leading the social media campaigns—helped them strengthen their work and broaden their impact.

Psychologists, volunteers, and parents now work hand in hand. The team offers individual therapy, inclusive sports activities, and above all—community. Because real change, they say, begins when parents are involved and empowered.

Progress sometimes comes slowly—a new word spoken after months of silence, a parent participating in play, a child making eye contact for the first time. But every step forward is celebrated, and every challenge is faced together.

PRAGG's training opportunities helped them turn experience into strategy, and empathy into action. Beyond gaining knowledge, their connections with other associations and dedicated individuals have brought them friends, colleagues, partners, and passionate allies—united in defending the rights of those we too often overlook or forget to value equally. And Duga’s story is living proof that when projects invest in people, those people build something that lasts.

The full video is available on PRAGG YouTube channel.

The PRAGG project is funded by the Swiss Government and implemented by the consortium #HELVETAS and #NIRAS in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with local partners the Centers for Civil Initiatives (#CCI) and the Institute for Youth Development #KULT.