The Summer School of Kosovo Pomoravlje has successfully wrapped up for the third year in a row, held from August 3rd to 10th, 2025. This year, we gathered at Šar Mountain, in the town of Štrpce. The camp brought together children from Serbian enclaves and isolated villages across Kosovo and Metohija: Kosovska Kamenica, Gračanica, Lipljan, Vitina, Gnjilane, and Štrpce.
From Shyness to Hugs – The First Encounter at Summer School
Even the lecturers admitted they were nervous at first. NTC lecturer Ivana Otašević Veljin shared:
“Maybe I expected more reserved children, but I was greeted by a lively group, eager to learn and make friends. For them, the most important thing was that we were all together—whether playing dodgeball or learning side by side.”
From the very first evening, an improvisation night turned into a true lesson in courage.
“At first, they were shy, but soon they started shouting, ‘Let’s go again! Let’s go again!’ That’s when I realized just how much they wanted to take part,” Ivana said.
Learning That Stays With You
This year’s entire program was based on the NTC learning system of Professor Ranko Rajović—learning through play, associations, and logic, encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Children learned outdoors, without phones.
“We even had two-hour workshops, and not a single complaint—even from the youngest,” Ivana noted.
The most beloved game was dodgeball.
“Even though they knew they’d be hit and lose their chance, they sacrificed themselves so their friend could stay in the game. That showed how deeply connected they became, even if they had just met.”
Freedom That Children from Serbian Enclaves Rarely Have
For children growing up in isolated Serbian communities, this camp was a space without restrictions.
“Freedom to play, to speak, to express themselves – that’s what they get here, and they often don’t have at home.”
Her colleague from Lipljan, Bogdan Mitić, added:
“They grow up without real freedom. Here, they could run, play, and take part in everything. They enjoyed every little thing.”
Moments That Restore Faith in Humanity
Religious studies teacher Ivana Antonijević recalled one moving scene:
“During one meal, only one pastry was left on the plate. A girl immediately suggested splitting it with her friend who also wanted it. That small gesture showed there was no selfishness in the group—they naturally shared what they had, making sure everyone was included.”
A Moment from Prizren That Will Be Remembered
The trip to Prizren was deeply emotional for everyone. Marina Vesić recalled through tears:
“When they sang a song about Kosovo in unison at the Monastery of the Holy Archangels, such a small group made the monastery feel full—spiritually and emotionally. That is a moment I will always remember.”
Team Spirit and Solidarity
PE teacher Ivan Arsić explained:
“The best moments came from team games because everyone joined in and celebrated together. Win or lose, they were united.”
Math teacher Maja Arsić added:
“Here, they learned to keep going until the end. Even when they lost, others came up and said: ‘Let’s keep going!’ It felt like one big family.”
Gratitude
“Each of us is going home with more than we brought to the camp,” the lecturers said at the closing of the Summer School
One of the youngest participants expressed his feelings simply:
“No, no, no! We don’t want to go! I want to stay five more nights and ten more days.”
children on Šar-Planina
As organizers, we warmly thank all donors who made it possible to hold the Summer School once again this year. Through our humanitarian work, we have tried to share the vision of this project, and we are grateful to all who recognized and supported it.
Until next time, we look forward to new ideas, collaboration, and support—so that this school continues to create the most beautiful memories for more and more children from villages across Kosovo and Metohija!
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