From August 5 to 9, 2023, the first Summer school in Bratilovac was held. The summer school was designed as a program of workshops, activities, and excursions for children from enclaves in Kosovo and Metohija. Its goal was to bring children together through play and learning, giving them the chance to connect with peers during the summer break. Thanks to a generous donation of €3,000 from the Saint Sava Children’s Foundation in Sweden, all planned activities were made possible.
Who Was the Summer School For?
Nineteen primary school students, both younger and older, from villages near Vitina, Novo Brdo, and Kosovska Kamenica attended the school. These are communities where only a handful of Serbian children remain, with school classes of just two or three pupils—and in some cases, only one. Because of this, many organizations strive to give these children opportunities for summer trips and excursions. Our idea was to provide them with a sense of safety, carefree play, friendship, and fun right at home. Many of them had never explored their surroundings, visited nearby monasteries, or met peers from neighboring villages. That’s why the program was organized in Kosovo and Metohija, where the children spend most of their holidays. Our hope is to welcome more participants in the coming years and make the summer school a favorite gathering place.
What Activities Did the Students Enjoy?
The program in Bratilovac included Serbian language and Religious Studies workshops, along with creative and sports activities.The Serbian language workshop was led by Tanja Cvetković, a professor of Serbian Language and Literature from Gnjilane. Religious education was taught by Ivana Antonijević, a theologian and religion teacher at “Svetozar Marković” Elementary School in Belgrade. Free activities were guided by Katarina Kojić, a senior student of the Teacher Education Faculty in Belgrade. A special literary workshop, Poetry Afternoon, was held by the poet Stevan Milošević from Vranje. The program also included two excursions, to Gračanica and Draganac, giving children the chance to visit two of the most important living monasteries in their region. At the end of the school, every child received a backpack and school supplies as a gift.
What Did the Summer School Teach Us?
Spending time with children from the enclaves was a unique opportunity to get to know them, hear their wishes, needs, and challenges. Despite growing up in very small and closed communities, their openness, warmth, and eagerness to connect were deeply moving. Our teachers approached each child with special attention, recognizing their talents, interests, and expectations. Sadly, growing up in constant uncertainty, tension, and isolation leaves negative marks, especially on education and socialization. As a team committed to responsible humanitarian work, we will include all our observations in the official report, available below.
See you next year in Bratilovac!
With heartfelt gratitude to our donors and everyone who supported this year’s Summer School, we warmly invite you to keep following our work and support other programs dedicated to children.
Carried by the wonderful energy from this year’s gathering in Bratilovac, we already look forward to the next one with the words:
See you next year in Bratilovac!
