Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that is still marked by the consequences of the 1992-1995 war. Among other things, past experiences of violence continue to have an impact in schools. Together with our partner organization Progres, we are therefore training teachers in trauma education so that schools can become trauma sensitive places. In this article, project coordinator Sanja Čović describes her impressions of the project.
The decision to take part in professional training that provides knowledge about trauma and how to support children and young people in difficult life situations takes courage. This is a big step, especially for teachers who themselves suffered from the consequences of the war in the 1990s.
Many of them know that they lack the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with their own unprocessed experiences and the stories of their families. Our educational project “Trauma-Oriented Peace Building” has therefore brought together 20 motivated professionals from the education and social sectors – women and men who work in schools across the country. Their backgrounds are diverse in terms of ethnicity, religion and personal experiences. It is precisely this diversity and the shared exchange on fundamental topics that is a valuable experience for each individual and strengthens the group as an important resource.
An outstanding example is the work in divided cities such as Mostar: For the first time, an educator and a teacher from elementary schools in both districts came together, determined to bring about change for themselves and their schools. They emphasized that almost 30 years after the end of the war, they still live and work in a divided society. Their motivation comes from the conviction that, as individuals, they can use their experiences to initiate positive change, even if the education system continues to segregate people according to ethnicity. Despite initial difficulties, their joint participation in the program resulted in a close friendship and a project that they will carry out together at their schools – an important step for cooperation between the educational institutions in Mostar.
“I remember thinking at the beginning of my work that I could only achieve something by talking,” says Ana. “Today I know that I have many other resources that I can use consciously.”
Collective trauma requires healing on an individual and communal level. There is still a long way to go in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, acknowledging and integrating traumatic experiences and using existing resources are important steps that offer hope. For cities like Mostar, where more educational professionals are now trained in dealing with trauma, this is a glimmer of hope for a trauma sensitive society in the future.
Sanja Čović, Project Coordinator, “Progres” Association Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
