The idea came to Carlo last year, to bring a small group of social workers from the “Il Samaritano” cooperative in Verona to Bosnia. To see for yourself, to learn, to understand where the kids who then land in Italy come from. Here we are, in front of the mural painted in Bihać in 2011: Simone, Enrico, Fabio, Anna, Annalisa, Carlo and Paolo.
Carlo, who fortunately speaks French, with a Congolese boy, leaving for the “game”
With Muhammad, who we learned has finally made it to Europe, where he would like to become a pizza chef.
Outside the Borići camp, in Bihać, where we had the opportunity to talk to various kids.
In the photo below: with Veljko and Dragica, long-time friends.
We also had the opportunity to meet with representatives of various local NGOs who informed us about the current situation. Below with Vedran from the JRS association.
With Silvia Maraone and Claudia Coladonato, of IPSIA BIH.
We then went to Velika Kladuša, where we met Alma, from the Rahma association.
With Jasmina, who has been involved in social work for years.
And finally, we went to see the biggest and most horrible squat… an old abandoned factory where so many refugees passed through.
We were recently invited to the Caritas headquarters in Rijeka to receive thanks for the collaboration offered.
It was a nice opportunity to see the bishop again (who handed us the certificate) and many other friends and collaborators who work together with us every day to create “a better world”.
At the beginning of March we were invited to a large gathering of firement in Sunja, so we gladly decided to attend and visit a few more friends. We received a lot of praise and thankfulness for the mural we painted a few months on their tower. Here’s some pics from that evening, starting with our team, Andrea, Kris and I.
We of course checked our murals
And we met a lot of friends at the local bar Piccolo
We also visited some friends. Here with Filip’s parents. Remember the amazing video he produced a few years ago?
Nada welcomed us again at her place, and we took time to remember her sweet husband who just passed away
And here’s the original team, who met when the Civil March for Aleppo passed through Sunja exactly 7 years ago, in March 2017, and kept up friendship and cooperation with many projects: Jelica, Jasmina, Anna and Josip.
Since there was going to be a presentation of the book Theresa helped write, with others of the NGO Balkanbrucke, another Meet Up happened almost spontaneously in Berlin! Michael and I met in Munich and picked up Rebin, whom we had met several times in Bosnia but didn’t see since 2 years, and Junus, similar story. How great to meet again in a new context! Not without its challenges but definitely more uphill and with the feeling of going somewhere.
Here’s the power bank Rebin used on his last game, and now he gave it to me to pass on to some other gamer in need👏
In Berlin, we were given a very warm welcome by the Adday’s family, in a Syrian restaurant. Actually, a very delicious and abundant welcome!
These Meet ups are time for relaxing, reconnecting, eating together, sharing stories, an event to present the Walk and talk about future plans. And play songs together! Thank you Israel for joining us with your beautiful music.
Here at Amloud’s home we had the pleasure to meet again Ashab, whom we had met in Velika Kladusa exacty 2 years ago, when he was still a minor staying in Miral camp.
What a nice young man he has become! Here’s something he wrote:
| 18.2.2022 Friday Bosnia | 18.2.2024 Sunday Germany (This text is dedicated to the people who gave me a new perspective, a new hope, courage to fight depression in difficult times and have been in touch with me for the past two years. Much love and heartfelt thanks.)
18 February 2022 is Friday A young boy is lost in thought in the Miral refugee camp in Velika Kladuša, a small village in Bosnia. What will happen to us in the future? Oh God, when will we reach Italy? If we remain here in Bosnia in such conditions, we will not be able to do anything in the future. Such strange and strange questions were coming in his mind when suddenly a boy named Salman comes and tells him that today some people from Italy have come to meet me, I have to go to the city to meet them. You wanna join us? Ashab: Who are those people? Why would they come here from Italy to meet you? Salman: Man, they help the refugees, I have talked to them a little while ago on Messenger, they will reach the city at 1 or 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Please come with me they are very nice people.
When we arrive in the center of Velika Kladuša, there are about 6 or 7 people who greet us enthusiastically. As the time for Friday prayer approaches, these nice peoples people know that these two Pakistani boys, Salman and Ashab, are Muslims, so they send us to pray in the mosque. After that we go to a coffee shop.
[the picture below, our first meeting with Ashab and Salman in the bar]
Then we go to a small restaurant for lunch and spend about 2-3 hours there. Talking to this group from Italy, there was a distinct feeling of positive energy coming from them. There was a glimmer of hope that our life is still not that bad, it’s a different thing that Ashab you only have one pant, t-shirt and jacket and old shoes and your feet hurt because of these shoes. You have tried to enter Italy from Bosnia about 6 times but unfortunately every time you are beaten by the police and deported back. Among them, when a young man Rikko was talking to me, I felt like direct knowledge was being transferred to me. At 16:30 me and Salman came back to Miral cam. But…. Literally this 2- 3 hour meeting made me think. They have come from Italy to visit us in Bosnia as a group, spending time and money, and they are also paying for our food here. But still all these people are happy. Who does that in today’s age of materialism? Who are these people? What is the purpose of their life? How are they so happy? After much thought, I did some searching on Google and found that such people are called human rights activists and social workers. Love for humanity and race without discrimination. Religion, trying to help everyone is the secret of their happiness. At that time I also thought that one day I will become a human, rights + social + political activist, social worker, fight for people’s rights and help them. Just as these people met me and gave us a new hope, I will do the same. And my journey begins in Braunschweig, Germany, where I would begin my political and activist life. From Braunschweig’s schools, streets, local politics, Braunschweig Rathaus, state parliament, to the German parliament (Bundestag), I speak out for youth and human rights. And there comes a time when I become vice president of several organizations like Migrantifa Braunschweig. I work as a volunteer with many refugee aid organizations. The boy, who was not known before, now his name appears in the newspapers. Who had nothing, and today he has everything. He is fond of books; today he has more than 200 books, computer, iPad, many clothes, many shoes, bicycle, and many God given blessings. I don’t know how the love, respect, development of so many people liked me happened in such a short time because I still don’t know German well.😂
All this is to tell you people that your small actions work. Trying to help can change lives with one’s thoughts. I don’t know how many people’s lives will be changed because of this one group Walk of Shame. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. If today I am living happily in Germany or have achieved so much, then surely you guys have played a big role in it.😇
Two years ago, in Bosnia. The meeting Ashab talks about:
What’s the best way to end a year and start a new one? As tested and proven over and over, it’s in the name of solidarity and bringing gifts, smiles, hope. The need is so great as is the temptation to see everything black, a dead end we absolutely cannot succumb under.
Here are some photos of the start of the winter camp:
On December 31st we also celebrated Noemi’s birthday. In the morning we went to the migrant reception center and brought the winter clothing collected by our friends from Cloz, near Trento.
And then the “Candlelight Ceremony”: thoughts, wishes for the new year and gratitude for the past one.
The first day of the year we were in inland Croatia, visiting many families and lonely people.
On the second day of the year we armed ourselves with brushes and paints and went back to paint some more rooms for the guests of the retirement home in Nedešćina, near Labin. And the following day we returned dressed up as clown, with music and dancing.
And that’s not all: on January 4th we went to Bosnia, to bring three bags of educational toys to the primary school of a small village near Velika Kladuša. The toys were bought in Verona by Paolo Tinazzi, a high school friend; contact with the school came through Alma, one of the teachers, who is also very involved in social work.
A last beautiful encounter was the visit made to Anđeljka and her family, who live in a village near the school and who, in addition to welcoming our large group with a warm welcome, also told us their story, when they were chased away from their home in 1992 and lived as refugees for eight years, only to finally return to find their home destroyed. Starting over from scratch, freeing yourself from hatred and resentment, being happy for every moment of simple life… great lessons.
.A few thoughts from Maddalena:
A bright hug to you from the Veprinac Home. A home, a way of being in the world, between the mountains and the sea, where you can land and start again with simplicity of heart, with light luggage, with a spirit free for new beginnings.
I bring with me the beauty of new encounters, of songs, of good food prepared by many hands. The warm New Year’s Eve circle. Notes tuned little by little to other flames of lights. Falls, losses, rebirths, dreams transformed into words. Gestures and spontaneous hugs. Blessings, caresses transformed into concrete steps and help.
I carry with me the image of Rijeka station covered in the color of hope where those passing by are seen in their dignity.
The gaze of Loreta from the Nedešćina institute.
Her pale room illuminated by our brushstrokes. “A rainbow, a little angel. Is it possible?” She asked. Joy was in the shape of her eyes.
I bring with me the whole group of friends who are a bit artists, singers, dancers, crazy enough, with brushes in hand, colourfully dressed, going amongst rooms, corridors, people in need of care and attention. Thank you!
“To those who give the love they have inside. May they be blessed. However absurd and complex life may seem to us, it is perfect…” Perfect in the love of the time that passes, of the time that is given to us to choose, overturn, revive this humanity of ours with creativity.
Last November another trip to Bosnia took place, and besides Luca and I we had with us a newcomer, Fiamma, who brought much new inspiration and love. Here’s the team.
Much of our focus was in Bihac, particularly serving hot tea around the bus station and wherever we met people, since it started getting cold.
We spent time with people, mostly Curds from Turkey but also North Africans, listening to their stories and trying to help in whichever way we could, from searching for medicines, mobile phones, warm clothes, etc. Once more, Luca entertained the children with his Big Bubbles Show.
Then we were able to bring some more colour to Camp Borici, in cooperation with Silvia Maraone and other volunteers from IPSIA. This time we painted on the floor, and before leaving Luca did his magic show again for children and parents. Last time we were in this camp was in 2020, Michael was still with us and it was actually his last trip.
We ended this trip visiting once more Andelka and family in their small village near Velika Kladusa and enjoying their amazing hospitality, so typical of this area.
We closed the Meet up in Trento with a quick but nice lunch and started travelling towards Trieste. The idea was to spend the evening in the square in front of the train station, where many migrants gather and receive help and some medical and loving care by Lorena, Gian Andrea and the volunteers of the association Linea d’ombra. The place was packed. As for material help, we brought sleeping bags, shoes and warm jackets. As usual though, our aim was to make some personal connections, which did happen, as we are still in touch with some of the people we met that night.
Laura distributed the letters her students wrote and received some in return.
Esther and Ruzanna played cards, some of us sang and we talked till late with several people.
The following morning we went to visit the people in the silos, one of the most horrible places I’ve seen. People stay in tents and when it rains there’s mud everywhere, rats are rampant and it just seems impossible that people can live in those conditions. We sang again as music does have the power to lift up spirits, and shared some food.
In the evening we arrived in Rijeka, at our place, which by comparison was a little bit of heaven. The following day we visited the Migrants spot near the train station, delivered a big box of gauzes and disinfectants a friend donated in Trento, and listened to the story of how Tinka, Damir, Sara and other volunteers started the place over a year ago.
After dinned, we listened to the amazing story of the Aladday family, and their ten years of travelling from Syria, thru Turkey, Greece, Montenegro, Bosnia and finally now in Germany. A father and his three children, thru perils, disappointments and delays.
A very nice article was published in a magazine in Bosnia about their story of love and heroism.
The following day we travelled to Spielfeld, in Austria, on the border with Slovenija. We walked thru this empty huge camp, imagining when it was packed with people, we were told a few thousands.
As it happened in a few places in Bosnia, the Balkan route moved, and left behind empty camps and squats. But the situation is always fluid, wars don’t seem to stop, and people are always looking for a better future.
An amazing Meet Up took place on 27-29 October in Trento, northern Italy. The association Oratorio S.Antonio very generously allowed us the use of hall, kitchen and various spaces. Several families and friends displayed such a high level of hospitality so that this special weekend will never be forgotten.
Here’s the program:
During this time we talked, we sang, we met in workshops, we visited the city, we enjoyed the art exhibition, we ate wonderful food, we did some planning for the future.
But I will let Maddalena describe the Saturday meeting, attended by many more people than we expected.
Walk of Shame. Two days in Trento to participate in the soul of the network and the steps that move the people gathered here from different parts of Europe and the world. They travel along the borders of the Balkan route to support and encourage. “Many are busy bringing emergency care, medicines, shoes…Others carry out political actions. And all this is important.” Explains my sister Anna. “We thought we’d ‘engage’ ourselves. We go empty-handed to share our time.” Rikko says. “12 journeys completed.”
Silvia, who has been helping in refugee camps in Bosnia for years, joins in. Her voice betrays the harshness of a reality that demands attention and understanding. Let’s not forget her.
Then there is Luca, a street entertainer. He brings our gaze to the overwhelming joy of the little ones. And Rodari comes to mind with that quote “Do you know how much the tears of a hungry child weigh?” Here their hunger for lightness thunders brightly.
Laura, a teacher in Amsterdam, instead gives voice to her students. She reads a letter written by one of them to be given to whoever tries to reach the goal, as is done with a game. Either life or death. This way of getting close in order to instill courage is unique.
Six hundred. This number indicates who has passed through the center that hosts us and learned Italian there. Thanks Lilli.
It’s Adil’s turn. He intertwined his path with the walkers mentioned above. His story is a disruptive wind of hope. A moving story of redemption. Adil has now a stable job, a house, a bike and a train he takes regularly every day. When we talk to each other he tells me: “I recently bought some medicine for (…). He’s not better off than me, you know. Many Italians are doing really badly.” Words that, said by someone who has seen hell and his hair turned grey, have the scent of spring. This morning he surprises us by offering us breakfast in a bar in the city: there are 35 of us! Cool! It is his way of expressing gratitude, what he is and feels like: a brother, one of us.
Music and the hospitality of those who give us the warmth of a bed and food continually put us in deep connection. And there is no better language to unite people across borders. “Let’s give peace a chance”. Words that here take shape. Thank you!
Thank you Associazione Oratorio S.Antonio!
From Rusanna:
It was my first experience and I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away by love, care, trust, humanity and ability to connect so easily and softly to any soul by every member of the WoS. Meeting people on the move in Trieste with a heart of celebration and new hope in humanity, gave me so much energy not to give up on small “drops in the ocean”. After that experience I gained back hope for goodness . Even if it’s in small quantities and not very frequent.
Thank you WoS team for the acceptance, love and energy you contaminated me and others with❤️
From Herman:
Last night we came home after a very special weekend. How shall I describe? I use the words of a Pakistani on the bench on Sunday evening, in Trieste. I sat down next to him. He asked me who all those people (you) were. I told him we came from all over Europe. He said, “I’ve been watching you all night. All these people spread love.” This Pakistani’s experience is also my experience for the whole weekend. We shared love with each other and with those who need it. That was amazing. Therefore I want to say to all of you: Thank you!
The updated version of the video we showed in Trento, two powerful minutes of lots of loving action❤️ The history of the project, the first 13 Walks, almost 4 years of this unique approach, attempting to do our part to rehumanise relationships in Europe.
It is now becoming a nice habit and we are very happy about it… On Lidija’s initiative, after the visit last autumn and July, a few friends from the Fortica center returned to Home. Coffee, biscuits, drinks, music, kisses and hugs were the main ingredients of this other beautiful morning spent together. Definitely worth repeating.
Not everyone made it to come, but they were there with their hearts, yes! It was a wonderful weekend, where we celebrated these first ten years of then Home together, from the construction of the building to the activities carried out in this decade.
Friends and coworkers traveled from various parts of Italy and some met physically for the first time.
During the afternoon meeting, a moment of reflection, also accompanied by lots of beautiful music
Carlo dedicated a beautiful song And Elena a very touching and beautiful poem
The Home received so many presents!
Everyone got busy preparing all kinds of culinary delights
Thanks George and Lois for capturing these smiling faces
Between one song and another we all shared something: a memory, a thought for those who are no longer physically here with us, some wishes…
Happy tenth Birthday, dear Home! A beautiful representation from Cloz, in front of the wooden house brought from Trento and assembled by Cloz volunteers over twelve years ago. Sitting in Michael’s corner.
A few more pictures of other beautiful moments spent together.
See you soon again!
A big thank you to all of you friends and volunteers who contributed to the construction of this center. Without your help this dream would have remained just… a dream.
“I have in my heart the hope and certainty that all the effort we have made, all the sweat, the laughter, the work done, the completed project are the necessary ingredients so that in the near future there will be a place in Veprinac where many people will come together in friendship and joy to build a better world.
Good morning friends! 10 years and it seems like the day before yesterday! I remember when it was still a pile of sand and how it changed year after year… Home is a beautiful representation of how your project has become increasingly solid over the years. Starting from little or nothing and arriving at doing something incredible, everything always with love and a smile. Proud to have been part of it! Unfortunately I don’t think I will be able to be there at the end of September but I will certainly be there with my heart ❤️ A hug to everyone, I always think of you!! Andrea Capozzi
You have created a beautiful project, the Home is a welcoming place full of smiles and supportive and educational initiatives. Well done, these first ten years of life should absolutely be celebrated, I already know that it will be a cheerful and sharing event 😍 I follow you with affection and wish you all the best, you are fantastic 😎 😘🔝🌱💫Lorenza Picollo
Better World Croatia / Per un mondo migliore 