The elementary school “Braća Aksić” in Lipljan is the only school that holds classes on Saturdays. Sadly, the reason is disheartening. Mondays are market days in Lipljan, and since the market is right next to the school, children’s safety has been at risk since 1999. For that reason, no classes are held on Mondays.
Why the School in Lipljan Doesn’t Work on Mondays
“It’s not safe for children to attend school when so many people gather at the market. Provocations are frequent, especially from children—showing symbols of ‘Greater Albania,’ shouting, and teasing. Our children are sensitive to such things. Whenever we take them outside, we must be three hundred times more careful than inside, because if any of them reacts, a serious problem could occur. Life here can be very dangerous.”
Explains teacher Bogdan Mitić.
School in Lipljan
How Children in Lipljan Spend Their Free Time
Children in Lipljan grow up in sadness, says their teacher. They spend their free time mostly at home, and only gather at the church when the weather is nice. They live in different parts of town and cannot freely visit their friends.
They only play at the church. For anything else, someone has to drive them to a nearby village and bring them back. We don’t even have a gym, so physical education takes place inside the classroom.
Schoolyard in Lipljan
The School in Lipljan Faces Many Problems—But Has Dedicated Staff
Besides the lack of a gym, the school struggles with collapsing ceilings. Large portions of plaster have been falling in every classroom for years now. Children and teachers have almost gotten used to it, but such conditions should never be ignored. The administration explained they’ve tried repeatedly to secure funds for repairs, but each year priorities are shifted elsewhere.
School in Lipljan
How Do Serbs in Lipljan Celebrate Christmas?
Elementary students in Lipljan drew pictures of how they celebrate Christmas. Their drawings, of course, included symbols of the town—the old and new churches, people gathered around the fire, and the traditional Christmas oak. Since the church is their favorite place, it’s where they feel free, joyful, and carefree.
Christmas in Lipljan
For Christmas, I first go to my uncle and aunt, and in the afternoon, my parents take me to my other uncle, shared one of our young friends. Like all Serbian children in Kosovo and Metohija, they celebrate the holiday quietly, at home with family—but always with love, faith, and hope.
In Lipljan
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