The wrong path and juvenile detention

Some of the young people at this facility became criminals there. I knew that it was wrong. But I thought it was the only way to earn my living. I began to commit crimes. When I was 15, I ended up in a juvenile detention centre in Kruševac – 200 kilometres away from my home. I had to stay there for almost 3 years.

Then came the point at which I finally realised that I was on the wrong path and would have to change my ways. But how do you do that when you’re in a detention centre? The supervisors there are mostly concerned with explaining what’s allowed and what isn’t.

But Neostart provided me with counselling at the detention centre. It’s an organisation that offers support after you leave the penal system. GRiG also gave us advice. It’s an organisation that helps children who are in trouble with the law. I took advantage of these offers.

I went back to my aunt after being released from the detention centre and thought about how to put my life in order.

I looked for support from many organisations. That’s when I heard about Café Bar 16 . It’s not just any old café; it gives people like me an opportunity of employment and training. And I needed help: I had only completed primary school, which you attend for 8 years in Serbia. And I had a criminal record. There weren’t many doors open to me.

All offers of help accepted

The Center for Youth Integration (CIM) runs Café Bar 16. At the beginning of 2022, CIM suggested that I train to become a waitress and bartender.

I came into contact with DIMAK during this training and took part in one of their self-help workshops. If I don't take care of myself, who will?

I met so many people. My only regret is that the workshop was held during the Corona pandemic, and was held online.

I have no doubt that the workshop empowered me to overcome my fear of challenges. This fear hasn’t of course completely disappeared. But I learned how to cope with it. I now feel much more self-confident.