Published 11.10.2023. | Tena Mur
No translation
Last week, teachers and students from Bartol Kašić High School in Grubišno Polje and the First Rijeka Croatian Gymnasium visited us in an educational trip to Osijek.
These two schools were the recipients of the Peacebuilding School 2022 award, which is presented by the Center for Peace, Non-Violence, and Human Rights in Osijek, as part of the Krunoslav Sukić Award for the promotion of peace, non-violence, and human rights.
This recognition attests to the dedication of these schools in promoting peacemaking, a culture of non-violence, solidarity, and cooperation. They are not just schools; they are communities actively encouraging youth involvement in society and advocating the values of peacemaking.
This year, the program was also supported by the City of Osijek, and we had the honor of participating in a traditional reception with the Deputy Mayor of Osijek, Jasenka Crnković. During this event, students and teachers presented the work and activities of their schools. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to get better acquainted with our city. In collaboration with the Tourist Board of the City of Osijek, they explored the history of Osijek's Tvrđa and enjoyed a pleasant ride along Osijek's promenade, thanks to the City Passenger Transport and bicycles provided to the students.
Students and teachers also met with activists from the youth initiative "Mladforma," who shared their experiences about volunteering, community work, and the importance of proactive engagement with local decision-makers through dialogue and collaboration.
The following day, we spent in Vukovar, where we visited the Vučedol Culture Museum, Ovčara Memorial Centre, and discussed post-war restorative justice. We also met with young people from Vukovar and exchanged experiences about peace-building and unity. The day ended with an informal quiz knowledge session at the Barcelona pub. This journey has taught us the importance of understanding, collaboration, and dialogue among young people and provided us with the opportunity to spread the values of peacebuilding.
