Students from Hrid listened with great interest about the lives of blind people

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The project „Inkluzija kroz sport“ (Inclusion through Sport) has begun, through which third-grade students from all six elementary schools in Stari Grad are learning about the way of life and problems faced by blind people.

For seven years, the Municipality of Stari Grad, in cooperation with the Sports Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Sarajevo Canton, has been organizing lectures for elementary school students, aiming to introduce children to the issue of the white cane. Students are presented with the aids used by blind people, as well as the sports disciplines they engage in.

Through cultural and sports activities, a workshop was held today at the Elementary School „Šejh Muhamed ef. Hadžijamaković“.

The students were first addressed by Prof. Sena Okić, who teaches history at the Center for the Blind in Nedžarići. She presented the history of Braille (Louis Braille), which is used by blind people, significantly easing their lives and providing opportunities for education.

„Today's technology helps us a lot; thanks to the voice reader, I can easily write and follow messages on my laptop,“ said Okić.

Then, Zoran Ðukić, the coach of the BiH Blind Bowling Team, spoke to the children about the lives of blind people and the sports they can participate in: „We cannot participate in all sports, but there are many in which we are very successful, such as football, bowling, running, darts, chess...“, said Zoran, and showed the children a football for the blind and explained the playing techniques.

The lecture concluded with a presentation by Kenan Kudus, president of the Sports Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired of Sarajevo Canton. He reiterated to the children how important it is to always be ready to help a visually impaired person. He also played a game of chess with nine-year-old Afan Kršo.

The students listened to these lectures with interest, asked questions, and were very curious. The girls were most interested in Braille and the method of writing. Amra Skorupan and Iman Drugamić told us that they found the class interesting and learned many things they didn't know. The boys were more interested in sports, especially football, so Imran Kabahija tried playing football for the blind.

„This was the best class I had today. I hope you will come again,“ were Imran's words. 

Leja Dizdarević, Assistant Head of the Department for Education, Culture, Sport, and Local Development, along with her associates, and the School Principal Kerim Fejzagić, also attended today's lectures. Lejla stated that this is a very significant project and that the most important aspect is raising awareness among the youngest about the problems faced by blind people.

„These are truly great things. We will make recommendations for this project to be implemented in other city schools, and beyond,“ said Dizdarević.