Project Coordinator Mr Goran Bubalo:

Network for Building Peace is an informal coalition of 84 peace NGOs from the whole country.

It aims to build a comprehensive renewal of the social and economic life in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the long-term ability of the whole of our society to deal with difference and conflicts in constructive and non-violent ways. We therefore hope to create a framework for the joint, coordinated activities of number of civil society organizations, local government, business sectors, media and governmental institutions.

The students from the Catholic School Center – Secondary Medical School in Sarajevo are also actively involved with our peacebuilding activities.

Teacher Ms Danijela Zuletovic:

Our school is in the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo. We are located in the city centre.

The school has 236 students. It is a Catholic school but we have students who are also Bosniak Muslim, Jewish, Serb Orthodox, so we are multi-ethnic and we are proud of that.

The student also attended religion lessons ( Catholic, Muslim and very soon Orthodox). If they do not want to go on religion lessons they can choose alternative subject called Moral and Ethical studies.

The school is small and has three floors and 8 classrooms and 6 study-rooms ( for anatomy, biology, chemistry, physics, English language and practical care). The school also has a hall of physical and health education which is very small too. Unfortunately we do not have garden where the kids cane take a break.

We have very good results and achievements that are recognized in society.  Maybe once there is a chance so that you come to our school.

1) What does “Global Citizenship” mean to you?

Project Coordinator Mr Goran Bubalo:

In Bosnia and Herzegovina after 22 years, we had a census which showed the great division in our country. There are huge political campaigns by its three main communities:  Bosniaks /Muslims,  Croats/Catholic and Serbs/Orthodox. Each campaign tries to mobilise people to declare themselves as people belonging to their nation.

And that is very sad knowing that practically we are the same people who got divided during the past centuries and these divisions caused severe wars, the most recent being 1991-1995.

For this reason we are trying to refer to global citizenship, as none of us is an island, we are all members of the same humankind, global citizens of this world regardless of our religions, race and gender.

Teacher Ms Danijela Zuletovic:

Global Citizenship means to me a big step for our country and our young people in the school because we can learn a lot of things new in order to live better in the future. Also if our students don’t have  the same opportunities, it is important for them to feel they can connect with other young people. We can learn to make a better life.

The students:

Irma

For me personally,  global citizenship represents one great opportunity. By using Internet and other social networks, we can meet people from different countries and through conversation with them learn about their culture, religion, economy and their other customs.

Josip

Global citizenship is an opportunity to be part of the rest of the world.I think everyone has the right to have it.

Mario

Global citizenship, for me, is very important because it means being united with all the young teenagers as I am, and it gives me, as well as them, an opportunity of a lifetime to connect and share ideas of mine, and theirs too.

Nadina

The term of global citizenship means a lot to me, when I think about it better. It means a lot when you get connected with someone from whom you can learn a bunch of new stuff and to get to know some new things. We get all so united: all races, religions, genders, age categories – everyone!

2) Why do you think it’s important for young people in Bosnia & Herzegovina and in Ireland to engage in an exchange programme like this?

Project Coordinator Mr Goran Bubalo:

This is a great opportunity for both sides to learn about similarities and differences, and there are many of both.

Teacher Ms Danijela Zuletovic:

It is very important for young people to know the differences in thinking and to know other cultures, other politics, values…and to know about human rights that we share. It is important to know about experiences different from theirs. We say in our country that you have as many values as the number of people and languages that you know!

The students:

Irma

By including young people from Bosnia & Herzegovina and Ireland we give them opportunity to exchange their experiences in different areas of like schooling and generally their way of life in that country.

Josip

We should be a part of this programme because we can share each others experiences, learn new things, share our knowledge. The world is meant to be together.

Mario

I would be delighted to participate in this programme because the thought of sharing my ideas of peace and knowledge all around the world is majestic. It’s just an enormous chance and a great, as well as an unique, experience.

Nadina

It’s really important to involve the youth of Bosnia & Herzegovina and Ireland because of the connection, as I mentioned earlier. We should exchange some experience and knowledge that we have already earned through our 17 years. That’s why I support the social good and activities.

3) What would you say directly to the young people in our schools network?

Project Coordinator Mr Goran Bubalo:

Let’s discuss, exchange ideas, find best solutions for both of our countries. Young people are the one with ideas, courage, they are future leaders of our countries, and now there is an organization to help you learn and progress.

Teacher Ms Danijela Zuletovic:

Young students will learn something new, make a new experience, meet new friends and new languages. Knowledge of many languages is wealth. The world belongs to the young people who will try to learn the best from us.

The students:

Irma

It is such delight to be a part of this project and I can not wait to exchange experiences. I hope they are excited as I am and in the end they will have nice opinion about Bosnia&Herzegovina. It is country with great opportunities and hope we won’t be popular just as a country who was in the war.

Josip

My message for the teenies of Ireland is to  be reasonable, calm and to participate in everything that life, schoolor people around you give you!

Mario

My message for the youth of Ireland, as well as the rest of the World, is to stay positive and to use every chance people in your life hand you.

Nadina

I’d like to give a piece of advice to all the young people: be yourself! Stay as nice, friendly and beautiful as much as you want. I’m sure you’ll have a great opinion of us, our country and all the people here, as well as the history of our country.