What went well?

This week was full of variety. In Mitrovica, we partnered with a local organization to run spray-painting workshops for youth. They had the chance to express themselves on the walls of the organization’s compound, and while the extreme summer heat (around 39°C) initially dampened their enthusiasm, I was glad to see many open up once I started spray-painting myself. It was a good reminder that sometimes the best way to encourage others is simply to lead by example.

I also attended the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) conference with KYC in Istog, which brought together young people from across the Western Balkans. It was inspiring to see them collaborate and exchange ideas on how schools and workplaces can better adapt policies to embrace cultural diversity.

On the project side, I finalized the grant application for KYC’s website redesign and connected with a web designer to discuss updates. It felt satisfying to move from identifying the problem to laying the groundwork for a concrete solution. We also finalized the mural design with the artist and began planning the inauguration event, catering, sound systems, logistics etc., which meant another visit to Lipjan.

What could have been done differently?

I was disappointed that the Mitrovica youth didn’t seem as engaged with the spray-painting as I had hoped. Understandably, the heat and the novelty of just socializing with peers made art a lower priority.; it also seemed that it was not “cool” to participate fully. In retrospect, I could have adjusted expectations and leaned more into creating a relaxed social atmosphere rather than pushing too hard for structured output.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

I learned that I can adapt in the moment to shift energy. Picking up the spray can myself helped break the ice and showed me that sometimes small actions can unlock participation more effectively than words of encouragement.

What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership often requires balancing vision with flexibility. The YPS conference reminded me that inclusive leadership is about listening across cultural and national lines, while the Mitrovica workshops showed me the importance of adjusting strategies when conditions like heat or group mood aren’t ideal.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I want to continue refining my ability to read the dynamics of a group and adjust my facilitation style accordingly. With the mural event approaching, I also want to build stronger project-management skills, making sure logistics, community engagement, and creativity all come together smoothly.