24.12.2024. » 16:32
Youth Camps: From Language Learning to Breaking Prejudices - Nikolina Jovanović
The youth camps within the YESS program (“Youth Empowered through Inclusive Schools and Societies”), in which I participated in during October and November 2024, were not just an opportunity to learn languages or make new friends—they also served as a space to break down prejudices, build bridges between communities, and reflect on the values that make us better people.
These three-day camps, held every other weekend, brought together young people from various communities across Kosovo. Participants came from different municipalities, with destinations carefully selected to educate us about the history of cities in Kosovo and their cultural landmarks, guided by dedicated tour leaders. Additionally, we were always accompanied by translators and a team of activists responsible for language lessons, creative and innovative exercises, first aid training, dialogues, discussions on social cohesion, and many other activities. The program was accessible to youth aged 13 to 18 and was designed to teach us a language, make friends, adopt moral values, break down religious and national barriers, and grow on a higher level—all uniquely achieved through games and exercises.
In addition to the diverse workshops, we also had free time, which we used for relaxation and socializing. We often split into smaller groups and enjoyed shared activities, ranging from traditional dances and comedy performances to exploring different traditions and engaging in casual conversations. Each camp provided us with a unique experience, combining fun and learning in a welcoming atmosphere.
I believe the mentors achieved a far greater impact than we expected. My first impression wasn’t the best—there were a lot of prejudices and negative attitudes stemming from apprehension about how things might unfold. However, I will never forget the people I met here, nor the experiences and memories we created together. I traveled, saw, and heard many new things, and viewed familiar ones from a different perspective. I also took a break from the tensions of everyday life and the absurd opinions of people.
What I didn’t expect was to have such a great time while learning, and especially to encounter such an eloquent group of young people. In such a short time, we greatly expanded our connections and perspectives on the world. I would say that, despite any lingering anxieties, we formed the most complex community of young people I’ve ever seen.
I couldn’t single out a favorite memory or moment, as everyone had the opportunity to shine multiple times, and the mentors were impressively tolerant and flexible. Even when we didn’t meet certain expectations, they showed understanding. I sincerely hope to participate in more similar camps and that such camps will be organized more frequently in our region and beyond. I believe that such training sessions would enrich the intellectual development of teenagers.
In a world blinded by technology and the dysfunction of value systems, these camps would surely contribute to restoring socialization, which is increasingly becoming foreign to us due to the fast pace of life. The impressions may not always be perfect, but this time, I was truly left speechless.
Nikolina Jovanović
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