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.
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:
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.
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.
Another International Camp took place at our Home, in Croazia. Volunteers arrived from Italy, Romania, Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, England, Canada, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Austria and the Netherlands. And of course, Croatia. For some it was the first time, for others the fifth or the sixth, in any case, right from the very start there was so much enthusiasm! Here’s the first meeting:
We worked two days at the migrants reception point, near the train station in Rijeka, painting three murales and a wooden house, helped by several young people coming mainly from Afghanistan. It was also a good opportunity to spend time with them and listen to the stories of their incredible journeys.
Those were the hottest summer days so far, but everyone did their best, as you can see from these colorful pictures:
Clowntherapy day was another day full of colours and energy, in spite of the heat. Everyone had a great time with the guests of Dom Turnic, singing, dancing and sharing lots of love!
Another big day was the combination of the Game of Hearts, the Flash Mob Dance and yes, after four long years, of Free Hugs!
Pizza Night was also a favourite, and friends from Rijeka joined us, inspite of the terrible storm which just a few hours before caused many trees to fall and interfere with the traffic.
And we had games, lots of fun times at the beach, time for long talks…
Thank you Francesco, Serena, Lara, Ben and Nadia for coming to give us a big hand on staff. You were amazing!
Thank you everyone for contributing to this unforgettable week of Love and Fun. To the next one!
Thirty-one Trentini came trotting down to us (from a popular Italian tongue twister) …. Mums, dads, teenagers, children.
Already friends for some time, thanks to the Boy Scout network, but this time committed to giving an even deeper and more personal meaning to their friendship.
Since months they had started a fundraiser to bring aid here in Croatia, to help needy families and the migrants at the Rijeka station. As they did last year.
Early evening: introductory meeting
First morning: big shopping to prepare the boxes of food that we would distribute the following day
Art workshop with the children, to prepare the cards to give to the people we would meet along the way.
Various chores around the Home
In the afternoon we all went to the train station, to deliver medicines, to help with the distribution of meals and… to sing!
Damir and Sara told us what motivated them to do this type of volunteering and how it was thanks to the diocese and the municipality of Rijeka that a reception point was able to be created, with showers, hot meals, first aid, clothing , shoes, etc.
We experienced some beautiful moments, where every cultural and linguistic barrier was broken down, by the power of love and by everyone’s goodwill.
31 Trentini, ten volunteers and about forty Afghan boys
In the evening, an introductory meeting to prepare for the trip inland
Day inland….no one will forget a big group like this! Below, at Grandma Milca’s house, who lives all alone
At Verica’s home
The following day we went back to the train station; there were fewer boys but the connection was even more personal and moving.
Community life!
Thank you so much, dear friends, for all you did to make this initiative happen.
We were in Serbia at the end of January, and we decided to go there again, also to check on some of the people we met, and the general situation. This time our team was different, and we were not always together. But we managed to meet people of all kinds, make new connections and bring back home so much.
Here’s our team, obviously overlapping, from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy. Christian and Elsa are part of Europe Must Act, a pan-European movement of activists demanding a new and humane migration policy. They got to also meet many other local volunteers and activists.
As usual, we also try to meet local volunteers and NGO’s, to get a better picture of how things are going and to honor their efforts.
This time we got to know for the first time The Workshop Belgrade, an NGO that majors on providing education, learning languages and even organising sport events, within the camps and also at their center, which we visited and where got to know Nick and Rhys.
In Subotica we met again Nikola, from HCIT, and he gave us a thorough update.
We visited again the squats we first were in last January, and we found the general atmosphere fearful and tense, not to speak of the fact that a lot of people prefer to live in the woods, or ‘jungle’, maybe due to recent episodes of violence.
Our guitar and Luca’s didgeridoo open the way, as well as a tea for everyone prepared on a small burner Michael brought along. We had run out of tea bags, so the tea was more like…water, but it was so appreciated! I realised what a special moment is tea drinking for them, and some music.
Shirzad
Last January we met a very special man from Afganistan, and several of us kept in touch with him. His English was very good, and his messages clear and deep. Below, what he wrote right after he met us.
Around April, no more news from him.
Then Susan, who met him with us on the previous Walk of Shame, wrote us:
“Dear everyone, I have some sad news. A Dutch girl, from No name kitchen just texted me to let me know that Sherzad has passed away. In April he was arrested, he died in prison. They don’t know if he was ill or of he was killed. He had mentioned my name to her, which is why she got in touch.
He was from Afghanistan, served in the army, and had to leave the country one and a half year ago when his youngest daughter was only 5 days old. He was a lawyer, father of 3 kids, and former commander in the Afghan army.”
We went back to the camp where we met Shirzad last January and spent some time with two of his friends, still very sad and heartbroken. We shared some food they made and they showed us pics of him, apparently he died of heart complications in some detention center. On their phone they also had recordings of us singing Bella Ciao, so we sang it again. This time it was a very sad rendition. We dedicated it to Shirzad, who indeed died for liberty.
Thanks also to our drivers, we really went out of our way and got to meet people in the most amazing places. They have to walk so many kilometers just to buy a few groceries!
Somewhere, very much out of the way, we met two young Syrians from Aleppo. 6 years ago I took part in a long Civil March for Aleppo, so I showed them some pics from it and they were quite touched. We promised to stay in touch, and we are. They walked away in the sunset, with some water, groceries and a dog they had adopted.
A few times we happened to be quite close to the famous wall, 320 meters long, between Serbia and Hungary. A place of desperation and pain, sometimes a gateway to freedom and a better life.
Michael continued on and visited the camp in Kikinda. Sjouke travelled back to the Netherlands. Luca had already travelled back to Italy. Christian, Elsa, Rikko and I continued on to Budapest, where we took part in a very envisioning A World of Neighbours annual meeting.
On the other side of Hungary we were welcomed by beautiful red poppies fields. Another world.
Yet, the search is on, for a better future. The walk is on, as long as there is more humanising to do.
Fresh from a very inspiring Meet Up in Berlin, some of us headed for Serbia, joined by other friends, a total of seven people, from the following nationalities: Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Syria.
The first time we took a trip in Serbia was in June 2021. At that time it was warm, plus we knew a few people staying in the refugee camps of Subotica and Kikinda, so we went straight to visit them and thru them we got to know more people.
This time it was quite cold. And we didn’t know anybody there.
In common: as a team, most of us didn’t know each other, but by the end of the trip we got real close. There’s something about going on a mission of love together that accelerates the process of getting to know each other and feeling close.
Here’s our team, outside the refugee camp of Kikinda, very close to the border with Romania, together with two friends staying in the camp.
Personally, this was one of the highlights of this trip. We went to the camp two days in a row, lacking an official permission we couldn’t go inside but we decided to start singing just outside the camp and slowly but surely people started coming out to meet us, braving the cold and the wind, to join us in the singing. Even some of the workers joined us and took pictures and for two days in a row this place was filled with joyful singing, hugs and meaningful conversations. We are still in touch with some of the people we met here, this place so far away and deserted, almost at the end of the world.
Letters from Europe
We brought with us a considerable amount of letters written by European teenagers and directed to people on the move. Laura, a Dutch teacher, was instrumental in this project. We read some of them one evening and were moved to tears. Here’s one:
Zouhir and his friend Ahmad, the cooks in Kikinda camp, with every lunch they hand out, they also gave a letter.
Visiting squats
Near Subotica and quite close to the border with Hungary, we visited a few squats, broken down houses where people on the move stay, pass thru, get ready for the next attempt to cross, recuperate their strength after being pushed back. The places are like any other squats we visited in Bosnia, depressing, filthy, freezing cold. Volunteers and NGOs come regularly to provide food, wood, showers, and that means a lot. We just had some warm clothes, and later on some food and wood. We mainly had ourselves, our love and our music. Barriers melt down almost immediately when we start singing Bella Ciao. Somehow everyone knows that song, and that’s the power of music, to break down walls, renew faith and communicate love.
Meeting local activists and volunteers
We talked to some great people working with migrants in Serbia. We got to visit a youth shelter of the Jesuit refugee service. This is Jelena, a relentless energetic social worker with a booming voice who runs this shelter where at the moment 7 unaccompanied boys live, the age of 7 to 17. Imagine being on your own in a strange country at that age. One of the boys was very eager and taught himself English. When we talked with the boys he translated for them. He is 10 years old.
With Vuk from Klikaktiv
with Nikola, from Humanitarian center for Integration and Tolerance (HCIT), who very kindly gave us a thorough update and took around personally.
We had lunch and a nice talk with Kia, an activist in Belgrade volunteering with Transbalkan Solidarnost and part of the precious and brave network that cares for people on the move.
[Anna: this time Maddalena, a teacher from Verona as well as my little sister, is telling us about the impressions and emotions of these intense days spent together between the old and the new year.
I take this opportunity to thank all of you, dear friends, who have contributed to this New Year’s Eve of solidarity with your presence and/or with many generous donations.
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By Maddalena Perlini, written on her Facebook profile.
I generally use social media to read the educational sites I’m registered with, public figures, writers, commentators… In these first days of 2023, I too enter, on tiptoe, to share an experience to transform, if possible, in a wish.
Just a few days ago, with friends from Verona, I was in Rijeka, among the good angels of the “Home” of “Per un mondo migliore”, my sister Anna, Paolo, Irena, Lois, George, my friends Andrea, Elena ( and consequently Lidija, Mama Marina, Rolly, Martina of Dom Turnić…). For the first time in Rieka in winter, away from the glitter of summer tourism, “a last among the last” as someone rightly puts it.
At the train station, the hub of many migrants almost invisible to most, we arrive with the van loaded with goods of various kinds provided by friends, acquaintances, and with two guitars. With simplicity and a watchful eye we listen. I am embraced by Ismeta, I see Damir, some volunteers from Caritas, Sister Nina from the Jesuit Relief Service and Sara from the Italian community. They are all very active and pass on to us the first instructions. With tireless dedication, every day they respond to the first aid needs of the countless refugees (about a hundred a day) coming above all from Afghanistan and Syria, trying to reach Germany and other European countries. Since last September they have been granted the right to stay on Croatian soil for a maximum of seven days. They cannot be hosted in public or private structures: their transit is therefore generally very fast, one and two nights and then away. Many have been on the road for more than a year, even three. We listen to their stories, they show us photos of a past, of an apparently distant world. Their shoes, their eyes are an open book that ‘bleeds’, made of mountains, lands, waters crossed under the sun and the rain, of pages full of goodbyes, but also of hope and smiles that appear more spontaneously as soon as we start singing…
Through the music and then in distributing hot meals (one a day is guaranteed), clothes and medicines, I feel a strong human warmth perceptible in the looks, in the desire of some to take photos to send to family members to reassure them that their journey continues safely. A light, our presence together, which, on a day of celebration like this, illuminates for a while the gray weather conditions and above all the uncertain, heavy prospects of these people who share this patch of cement, sometimes covered in puddles and mud. In moments of understandable concern for maintaining order, at the beginning and during the sorting of the humanitarian boxes, I perceive a delicate but sustainable strong thread of complicity, of humanity: a handover and gestures of attention that involve everyone.
We experience the same the following day in the Croatian hinterland, when dismay seems to have the upper hand at the sight of the loneliness of the elderly women we visited in post-war or post-earthquake dilapidated houses. Our cars are loaded, this time also with toys, and we visit Barbara and her family. We are offered a space of timeless conviviality, typical of those preparing a Turkish coffee in company. The warmth of her home, the care of her gestures tell a long story of redemption and solidarity with the friends of the Home. A flow of emotions, expectation, curiosity, participation and gratitude crosses us all, and every time more, if it were possible.
Love is truly a path of continuous growth that broadens one’s gaze; it digs inside, dissolves fears and generates, without stopping, the desire for dialogue, for bridges and bonds for life. There is no other way to peace than peace itself, starting with an understanding of the fragility of our existence and of those who are mostly on the sidelines.
The health workers of the institution “Fortica”, which houses children and adults with serious disabilities, remind us of this; we get to know some of them almost at the end of our trip. Their presence of “pure love”, as the head nurse tells us, invites us to use and mix, in harmony, all the vivacity of the colors available.
Each different brushstroke meets and completes that of another, as if to suggest a concrete path to hope, a commitment and a wish for everyone.
Happy New Year therefore, happy Epiphany and happy manifestation of Light to each of us, to every person who seeks it and carries even a small glimpse of it with them.
We took many trips to Bosnia, more than I can remember, but this one was slightly different. The emphasis was in meeting local volunteers and activists, or even simple people, who in various ways showed love and compassion to people on the move, refugees or migrants. They became neighbours to them.
Part of the team is ready to go! Luca is also carrying a bunch of stuff for the various shows and animations he will be doing in the next few days, at the cultural center Ideja, in some orphanages, in camp Lipa etc.
Being back in Velika Kladusa brings up so many emotions! Here we met so many people who are now scattered in various parts of Europe, and with them we were able to build some beautiful memories, in spite of the hard conditions they faced. We met so many young people in this dark abandoned factory, where now around 6 people are finding refuge, and where somebody painted these murals.
From Rebin: “Hello how are you? I remember that house, I hope no one lives there because life is hard there. Thank God I now live in the best place and I am now going to school to learn languages. I always pray for you because you helped me a lot. I hope you are always happy and healthy.”
Both Rebin and Carim are now in Germany. They had spent many months in “that house” with other people, whom we are also still in touch with. Some good memories were created in some very horrible places.
It takes courage to be a refugee, wrote Carim on the wall of this squat house, where we also met many friends
We paid a visit to a few local families who live in a village very close to the border, where many refugees passed by. We visited them last February and didn’t realise how much that one visit meant to them. They saw us coming and shouted our names, unbelievable! We received such a great hospitality, which they also have been extending to the many people passing thru. A lady said: “Sure, they have a different color of skin, but they wear the biggest smiles, in spite of their difficulties”.
Later on we passed by to say hello to the friendly dentist who did a big job for free to Ali, who at the time was staying in Miral camp, now closed. The first thing he asked was how was Ali doing, and if the new teeth were working!
Next stop was Bihac, where we met with several volunteers. Some came with us to entertain the children in the Rom section of town. It’s Lucas’s profession and his first show in Bosnia! I think in the end he was exhausted, ha! But everyone had a great time and will never forget his huge bubbles and colourful parachute.
Yesterday it was a long day meeting people, local volunteers and traveling to Kulen Vakuf, a town nearby where Luca greatly entertained the small children of the orphanage Duga for a few hours. They didn’t want to let him go! We also got to visit Atlantis, an highly artistic project that started in 2016 and that transformed an old bombed factory in an amazing place full of murals and other artistic contributions. Finally, we visited Martinbrod and its magic falls.
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We finally got to visit camp Lipa, that hosts around 500 people. There seems to be a new influx of people from Africa, mainly from Burundi. We got to meet the volunteers from IPSIA and played songs, danced and got to know a few people.
Michela and I met in Fano, a town in Central Italy, a month ago, by pure accident, as she was running a Caritas stand to raise funds for Bosnia and I stopped by. And…. We met again today in camp Lipa, what a small world!With Silvia, overseer of IPSIA and the activities in the campLuca and a boy from AfghanistanLuca knows how to dance and it was a great time all together breaking barriers and having funAlso music is a magic that draws instantly together perfect strangers
U Pokretu is a local NGO that started fairly recently in Bihac. Their center, called Ideja, is buzzing with activities and volunteers from various parts of Europe, and local ones, involved in caring for people on the move and trying to build bridges with the local population but especially with the youth. Luca did a very colourful animation, that moved all the way down to the Una River! The colors were out of this world!
Today we went to check out the squats in the “jungle” area outside Bihac but couldn’t find anyone. But a few minutes later we met 2 Afghani boys only 16 yrs old, who looked quite bedraggled. Luca gave them all he had in the car: shoes, sweaters and especially 2 back packs they were so glad for, as they are attempting the game tomorrow. They broke my heart, such young kids having to attempt such a feat!
Here they are, happily walking away
At this point Luca had to return to Italy and Rikko (from Walk of Shame) came, all the way from Amsterdam. For a bit of a different project. He is doing recordings for a podcast series called Living as Neighbours, conversations with locals who became neighbours for people on the move. These people are so important for the future of Europe, living and loving examples how and who we could be.
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In Sarajevo, recording Sanella, who started a very promising project called Intergreat.
with Ali, a refugee from Syria we met in the streets of Sarajevo and shared a meal with
In Tuzla we met again our friend Senad, a reporter and activist, fully immersed for the past 5 years in this humanitarian crisis, spending night after night around the bus station, helping people on move. Rikko was able to interview him for a podcast in the storage he runs. I was so moved by this conversation as, like the previous day with Sanella, we are talking about people who have been also refugees and experienced the trauma of war. They know what it’s like and are wholeheartedly there to help, often risking personal safety. I am really looking forward to listening to these podcasts!
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Back to Bihac! Met with Marin and other volunteers at the cultural center Ideja, inaugurated about a year ago and situated in a very strategic position, near a former huge squat, as you can see from the window
Rikko and Marin, and behind them the mural we painted last summer.
And she had a lot to say! The amazing story of a young student deeply moved and involved by the humanitarian crisis, who eventually marries and embraces Bosnia as her own country.
As usual, after one of these trips, I arrive home tired and a bit consumed, but super grateful I had the privilege to spend time with some amazing overcomers! Starting with my two partners, Luca and Rikko, who are always so full of love, energy and ideas. This Walk#9 had more of an emphasis on meeting local people who have been a neighbour for people on the move (and 3 of them got recorded for podcasts!). They all said how much this time meant for them, as they needed the encouragement to continue on their mission. I think we all need it, right? And while travelling, we had time to talk and plan some more activities, Walks, get togethers, etc, so stay tuned in!
Better World Croatia / Per un mondo migliore 