First 'School of the Culture of Remembrance' of the Sarajevo Memorial Center Held for Returnee Children

(Patria) - Organized by the Sarajevo Memorial Center, students from Prijedor, Janja, and Brčko District were part of a three-day visit to Sarajevo on the occasion of marking May 9 - Victory over Fascism Day and the Day of the Golden Lilies.

They were welcomed by their peers from Sarajevo with a special program held at the “Osman Nakaš” Elementary School. As part of the visit, a “School of the Culture of Remembrance” was held for 140 students by the museum pedagogues of the Sarajevo Memorial Center, Irfan Gazdić and Amel Merdžanović.

It included visits to the burial site of the first President of the Presidency of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alija Izetbegović, the museum exhibition “Heroes of the Liberation War,” the “D-B” Tunnel Memorial Complex, and the War Mosque on Igman. In addition, students had the opportunity to visit landmarks such as the City Hall, Baščaršija, and took a ride on the Trebević cable car, which further enriched their experience of visiting Sarajevo.

Particularly notable were the stories and messages about the importance of peace, education, and courage that students received from the Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton, Omer Osmanović, Nedžad Bubli, recipient of the “Golden Lily,” minor combatant Midhat Karić, Minister Naida Hota-Muminović, and the Director of the Sarajevo Memorial Center, Ahmed Kulanić.

"I want you to take a message from Sarajevo that this is the capital of your country, that you are always welcome here, that these are your schools where you can always feel at home, and that the Sarajevo Memorial Center is your home where you can always come," said Kulanić.

Sports competitions were also organized for the students on Igman, providing them with an opportunity for fun, but also emphasizing the importance of teamwork and cooperation.

Mirela Ljumanović, a teacher at the “Dositej Obradović” Elementary School in Prijedor, says that the “School of the Culture of Remembrance” project was exceptionally designed and implemented.

“It is important to build friendships and nurture them, and the culture of remembrance is key to understanding our past and future. Through this experience, children gained new perspectives and a wealth of memories that will accompany them throughout their lives,” said teacher Ljumanović.

Ismail Salihović, a student of the Economics School from Brčko, expressed his satisfaction with what he heard, saw, and learned during the “School of the Culture of Remembrance.”

“This is an unforgettable experience. I will especially remember the visit to the Museum Exhibition of Heroes of the Liberation War in Kovači, the Tunnel of Salvation, the War Mosque, Igman, the City Hall, as well as the truck ride and the Trebević cable car.”

The President of the Assembly of the Youth Council of Prijedor, Mirnes Duratović, says that the support of the Ministry for Veterans' Affairs of Sarajevo Canton and the Sarajevo Memorial Center motivates and encourages their ambitions for further building and strengthening of our state of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For participation in the “School of the Culture of Remembrance,” all students were awarded certificates, and as a sign of gratitude, representatives of Janja presented a certificate of appreciation to Director Kulanić.

Incidentally, the “School of the Culture of Remembrance” was held with the support of the Ministry for Veterans' Affairs and the Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton.