Passion Project: Estimathon – Challenging Logic, Teamwork, and Creative Thinking
On April 4th, 2026, an engaging and intellectually stimulating Estimathon competition was successfully organized as a Passion Project by Junior Scholars, Amir Džafić and Hana Ćatić, under the mentorship of, BH Futures Foundation Alumna, Lejla Nezirović.
The event took place at the premises of the “Izvor nade” Foundation, bringing together motivated students eager to challenge their problem-solving skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
About the Estimathon Concept
Estimathon is a unique type of competition that combines elements of mathematics, logic, and real-world reasoning. Unlike traditional quizzes, participants are not expected to provide exact answers. Instead, they work in teams to estimate solutions to complex, often open-ended problems using critical thinking, approximation, and strategic discussion.
This format encourages participants to think beyond formulas, fostering creativity, teamwork, and analytical reasoning — all essential skills in STEM and beyond.
Competition Structure and Experience
Participants were grouped into teams and presented with a series of challenging estimation problems. Each question required careful consideration, discussion, and the ability to balance intuition with logic.
The atmosphere throughout the competition was both focused and collaborative, as teams worked together to refine their answers and justify their reasoning. The diversity of approaches taken by different groups highlighted the richness of thought and creativity among participants.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event served as a learning experience, where participants were encouraged to embrace uncertainty, make informed assumptions, and learn from different perspectives.
Mentorship and Organization
The project was developed under the guidance of mentor Lejla Nezirović, whose support played a key role in shaping the structure and execution of the event.
As organizers, Amir Džafić and Hana Ćatić demonstrated strong initiative and teamwork, successfully bringing the idea to life and ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees.
Support and Partnerships
The realization of this event was made possible with the support of its partners and sponsors, including the “Izvor nade” Foundation, which provided the venue, and Bash BiH, whose contribution supported the organization of the competition.
Their involvement reflects the importance of community support in empowering youth-led initiatives and creating opportunities for students to grow and connect.
Impact and Takeaways
The Estimathon highlighted the value of non-traditional learning formats that emphasize thinking processes over correct answers. Participants left the event not only with new knowledge, but also with a deeper appreciation for collaboration, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity.
By creating a space where young people could challenge themselves in a supportive environment, this Passion Project contributed to strengthening a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.
Looking Ahead
The success of this Estimathon demonstrates the potential of student-led initiatives to inspire and engage peers in meaningful ways. With continued mentorship and community support, such projects can further expand, reaching more students and encouraging them to explore their abilities in new and creative ways.
Events like this serve as a reminder that learning does not only happen in classrooms — but also through shared experiences, curiosity, and the courage to tackle the unknown.