WESTERN BALKAN SUMMER CAMP 2021: 7TH - 15TH OF AUGUST
In August 2021, we brought together 24 young people from 4 different organizations (SOS Kosovo, SOS BiH, SOS North Macedonia and Dječji Dom Zagreb). Each country sent 6 participants of different ages and 2 group leaders (social workers who actively work with the young people in their organization).
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During this first summer camp, the participants took part in various team-building activities in the initial stage, which were mainly aimed at creating bonds among the participants from different countries. This was important for the successful outcome of the project because after these 2 days, the youngsters were more relaxed and open to share what they wanted to say within the group during the non-formal gathering but also during the following activities.
In the following 5 days, the participants were working on drafting the future they want for themselves and attented some workshops on social media, media literacy and critical thinking. These workshops were very important to learn about topics such as disinformation and fake news, which are very present in their countries and cultural context on a daily basis.
The last 2 days of the summer camp were spent in Prague, in a more relaxed way to enjoy what the Czech Republic has to offer them as regular tourists.
In the following 5 days, the participants were working on drafting the future they want for themselves and attented some workshops on social media, media literacy and critical thinking. These workshops were very important to learn about topics such as disinformation and fake news, which are very present in their countries and cultural context on a daily basis.
The last 2 days of the summer camp were spent in Prague, in a more relaxed way to enjoy what the Czech Republic has to offer them as regular tourists.
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Some of the messages we have received from the participants afterwards. For the sake of anonymity, we are not disclosing the names of the authors:
„I promise that I will work hard in the school and yes you and your family have a very special place in my heart, so I will wait for the day that we are going to meet again“. “Before I came to the camp, I was a quiet person. I didn't talk with a lot of people, I was a closed person. After I met you guys, I am more happy. I talk with a lot of people. I am more confident. I enjoy every moment.” “Many people can leave their marks in your life, but only a few can leave their marks in your heart. You are one of the very few” We would like to conclude the poem that the Kosovo team wrote to our Speechless reconciliation team:
Not very often, the miracle is here But this is what happened to us this year Our friend Matej called us one day And came up with the idea that made our minds fly away Together with SOS they came up with the plan To unite the youth of all the Balkan We told them our story from the first day to the last So the Rotarians can have a clear picture of our past They listened carefully of what we had to say Then they gathered around and started planning right away They organized the trip for us and others too Together and united Rotarians can make our dreams come true At the time that this happened, we thought that it is a dream Never did we think that it would become real thing Here we are today, together with our new friends Happy and relaxed spending more than just a weekend Kosovo, this beautiful place, is home to many people that are young at age. Young Europeans, we are called very often and that is why we feel that we can do anything… even cross the ocean. NEWBORN Obelisk represents us all, because we are the youngest country in the whole wide world. Being here today and sharing our time with you, brings us joy and happiness too. Thank you for the wonderful memories that we are making every day, Next time we are expecting you in Kosovo, preferably in May. |
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE ORGANIsATIONS
THAT SUPPORTED THE 1ST SUMMER CAMP IN 2021!
Extensive financial support and members actively involved at the execution of the summer camp
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Was our biggest contributor of financial support within the Rotary International organization
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The Belgium company was an important partner, they contributed financially but moreover their CEO and CFO were active members of the team that executed the whole summer camp.
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Rotary District 2040: financial support through district grant
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Porsche Belgium: financially support
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3 volunteers that were actively helping and participating during the summer camp
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Provided facilities for the non-formal meeting of participants and Yugoslav expats living in Prague as well as stated the full support of the project for the years to come
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