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FROM THE FIELD

Unity in Diversity at Balkans Peace Camp
30 Jun 2008 14:07:17 GMT
 Source: World Vision Middle East/Eastern Europe office (MEERO)
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Ilda Sulo, and friends commenting on her photos of the day. Photojournalism was one small project during the camp which helped kids integrate and reflect on their own experiences.
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Ilda Sulo, and friends commenting on her photos of the day. Photojournalism was one small project during the camp which helped kids integrate and reflect on their own experiences.
World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org

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Some 40 young people from over 5 countries in the Balkans, including young landmine survivors, came together for a 'Unity in Diversity', Peace Camp in Montenegro last week.

The 13-16 year olds from Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina enjoyed five days of structured sessions and supervised free time that encouraged them to communicate despite the language differences, learn more about each others cultures and share their thoughts on topics such as conflict resolution and leadership.

'It has been unbelievable for me, I didn't really believe I would meet so many good people, make real friends, and have such good leaders to work with us – I didn't expect all this,' explained IIda Sulo, a 13 year old World Vision sponsored child from Albania and participant at the camp.

'The cultural night was really special for me, if I would have to choose one memory to remember as I didn't expect that the children from the other countries would come and dance with us – to songs that represent another country's culture', furthered Ilda.

The significance of this cultural evening was echoed by Michael Warren, Programme Specialist from the United Nations Development Program in Kosovo, a facilitator at the camp.

"To have a group of Albanian teenagers invite Serbian friends to learn one of their traditional dances represents progress that can't be easily quantified," said Warren.

"The camp was structured to promote and reinforce integration and participation, but more importantly, to instill skills that will make it possible for kids to embody those values when they return home', added Warren.


This was also the first time youth from the Landmine Survivors Network (LSN) in Bosnia and Herzegovina had been invited to the camp.
According to a 2006 UN assessment, over 1500 people have fallen prey to landmines in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 21% of the victims being children under 18 years old.


'I have had an incredible time here', said Elvis, an impressive 16–year-old Landmine Survivor. 'It is difficult for me to share my story, but it's important that other kids know what happened to us and we are kids just like everyone else', said Elvis.


Elvis's cousin was killed outright and Elvis lost both legs when a mine exploded in their home town. Elvis was just 6 years old.

He clearly won many hearts at the Peace camp with his warm character and positive personality, and Ilda from Albania expressed how the story of Elvis and other kids from Bosnia and Herzegovina that really have moved her and she will share with kids back home.

'The boys from Bosnia and Herzegovina are amazing, said Ilda. ' I have never met anyone like them before, and I am going to share their story with my school friends back home', shared Ilda.

'Given the social problems resulting from the challenges of ethnic diversity in post conflict countries, it was rewarding to see the young people come together and develop intimate friendships at the camp. It gave them the chance to challenge previously held stereotypes and an opportunity to learn about each other in an environment accepting of differences', said Rick Spruyt, World Vision Civil Society Program Manager.

The Balkans Peace Camp was sponsored by the Eagle Foundation and World Vision Switzerland.


[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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