Young volunteers from nine countries of the world in Srebrenica showed what teamwork, mutual care and solidarity mean, but also how important it is to learn through experience and contribute to the development of the local community.
Through humanitarian work, the volunteers got to know the daily challenges of people living in Srebrenica. Together with the MFS-EMMAUS team, they visited families, helped the elderly, participated in the distribution of meals, socialized with children and preserved the memory of the greatest crime in Europe after the Second World War, Federalna writes.
The culture of memory is an important part of the program
“This is actually a continuation of our summer youth camp, which we have been organizing for more than 20 years here, in Potočari, in Srebrenica, in our capacities. One of the focuses of this winter school is the culture of memory,” explains Sabahudin Mujkić, project coordinator of MFS-EMMAUS.
Seyma Akkus from Turkey sees coming to Srebrenica as an opportunity to get to know the history and culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina better, which she had previously learned about.
“I read a lot about the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially about Srebrenica, I watched numerous documentaries and decided that I simply had to come here,” says Akkus.
Companionship and support for the youngest
However, getting to know Srebrenica did not end at the places of memory. Young volunteers also spent time with children at the day care center in Potočari, participated in creative workshops and helped them in their studies.
“I volunteered at a day care center for children in Potočari, where I worked with children. They wrote homework, learned about different new things, and together we participated in creative workshops,” says Ifrah Kutbi, a camp participant from Pakistan.
Mujkić: Life in Srebrenica continues
One of the goals of this project is for young people to get to know the other side of life in Srebrenica. The culture of memory remains an important part of the program, but equally important are the people, their needs, and the life that continues here, which is marked by love, not hate.
“Of course, it is extremely important to talk about the genocide and the Memorial Center, but we also want to show that there is life after that. We are glad that we have a day care center for children in Potočari, but also that we can provide support to mothers who live in this area, so that they are not forgotten,” Mujkić points out.
The volunteers spent seven days in Srebrenica, and they leave with a message to those who have not visited it yet to come, get to know the people, traditions and customs and show solidarity with those who do not want to leave, but to stay and live from their own work in their country.
