Young people from the Western Balkans attended a five-day summer school to discuss the region’s future by looking into history. The main aim of this initiative was to allow participants to examine the legacies and historical narratives of the Western Balkans through a critical lens. At the same time, the summer school provided participants with an open and safe space for dialogue.

The summer school enriched young students’ knowledge and understanding of the past and encouraged them to explore topics of regional reconciliation and peacebuilding. They learned how to start social campaigns in their home communities and to address issues relevant to their peers. They were also helped to develop the skills that are vital to active citizenship, intercultural learning and dialogue, and solidarity in society.

The summer school that took place in Kovačica, Serbia is part of the “Challenge History – React for the Future” project, which welcomed participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The project is supported by the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and co-financed by the European Union.