The children from Mogila near Kosovska Vitina welcomed us at the school “Marko Rajković” during a workshop dedicated to Christmas and holiday wishes. Teacher Marina Vesić worked hard to bring together students from the entire school, which was a great joy for them. Soon, white sheets of paper were filled with drawings of christmas eve, festive bread, chestnuts, decorated with warm Christmas fires and children’s smiles.
“Here I am hugging my dad and feeling happy. Mom is baking pies and cookies.”
Children from Mogila on Christmas and Christmas wishes
How the Children of Mogila Celebrate Christmas
Christmas in villages across Kosovo and Metohija is still celebrated simply, at home, with lots of joy and traditions. On all the Christmas drawings, children drew the church, their parents, and the christmas eve. The festive table includes traditional homemade dishes, pies, sweets, and fruits. Candles, wheat, and games are essential. Lazar tells us what he and his brother do on Christmas Eve:
“This is me, this is my brother and dad. Here is the big fire in the church where we light the badnjak. For Christmas, the whole village comes to the church. When we get home, we bring the christmas eve inside and sing ‘Piju-Piju.’ Mom prepares dinner, and we sit on the floor over straw.”
Children from Mogila on Christmas and Christmas wishes
How Small Village Schools Survive in Kosovo and Metohija
The Marko Rajković School in Mogila has 11 students, and some classes have only one child. Yet, teachers dedicate great attention to each student. They usually combine children for physical education to allow group activities. The school is modestly equipped. The old hand bell with a bullet hole from WWII is a clear reminder of how small rural schools struggle to keep up with modern education. Teachers explain that each year new methods are introduced that the small school cannot fully follow.
“There’s always something new and more modern in the curriculum, but it’s simply not feasible. We only got internet this year. Some lessons need a projector for all classes, but we don’t have one. No whiteboards, let alone smart boards. Not even proper PE equipment. There’s only one football, hoops are broken… Everything depends on us. We have to organize and make the lessons as good as we can ourselves.”
Life of Serbs in Mogila – Known for Hard Work and Fertile Land
There are around 70 Serbian houses in Mogila today. Mogila is a mixed Serbian-Albanian village, known for agriculture. Yet, young generations find it increasingly hard to stay and work their land due to poor market conditions. Jobs for highly educated youth are scarce, so many young people have left the area in recent years. Once a multi-ethnic school with multiple classes, it is now mostly Serbian with few students. Still, many locals maintain their fields, and their persistence, honesty, and faith give hope that Serbs will remain in this region.
Church of St. Teodora – The Symbol of Mogila
The Church of St. Theodore stands on Roš Hill, overlooking the entire Vitina region. Built in 1899 on the foundations of the old St. Uroš Church from the 14th century, the locals believe the old church protects them, and they care for it diligently. Every stone is considered a gift, and newer generations continue the tradition of giving to the church.
“Every year, for the village feast, a godparent is chosen to collect voluntary contributions for the church. Everyone gives what they can, and something is always done for the church each year.”
The Church of Saint Teodora Tyrone in Mogila
Thanks to the unity of the villagers and their care for the church, it is in very good condition despite its age. A new bell tower, church hall, and summer pavilion have been added.
How Can You Make Christmas Brighter for the Children of Mogila?
Our wonderful gathering with the children ended with the promise to meet again at Christmas. With many hugs and smiles, they waved goodbye, shouting: “See you at Christmas!”
You can help fulfill this promise for the children of Mogila by supporting our Christmas campaign. One donation of 1,000 dinars = 1 gift package.
Share joy with the children of Mogila in Kosovo and Metohija!
For more information about the campaign and payment methods, visit the following links:
Christmas Packages for Children
