Serbian and Albanian Children Together in Breda

For this initiative a group of Serbian and Albanian children were taken on holiday, far from the fragile conflict-scarred region of Mitrovica. The idea was to connect youngsters from two ethnic groups who live close to each other but not with each other, in a city with lasting geographical and psychological divides created by the war.

Description

Every year, the charitable foundation “De Keyserkinderen” in Breda, the Netherlands, invites a group of children living in difficult circumstances – often conflict areas – to come to the Netherlands for a week of no worries and sheer fun. The foundation is supported by all sorts of organisations, companies, hotels and private people from Breda and its vicinity.

A similar camp was held with Albanian children in June and July 2005. This year, they invited a group of Serbian and Albanian youngsters who live in Mitrovica region. These children, as well as their parents, have had no chance to cooperate in the post-war period due to painful war memories and loss of mutual confidence.

Living in a condition of daily political tensions, security threats and a bad economic situation, they need a break and a chance to act freely according to their own feelings and designs.

Aims / Objectives

• To connect youngsters from two ethnic groups; and
• To provide psychotherapy for the children who are directly involved in an unstable conflict area.

This initiative addresses the causes of conflict in a positive way by creating a neutral and conflict free environment where children and youth from the conflicting parties can share their experience and meet each other in peace without pressure from adults.

How it is Articulated

The children travelled through half of Europe: Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands. The rest of the 11 days were very well organised by the host organisation. Among other things, children had an opportunity to have fun in a swimming pool and fitness centre, the stadium of FC NAC – Breda, headquarters of Netherlands Football Association, Efteling funfair (incredible day), yachting, cinema, different clubs and a restaurant.

Achievements / Learning points

The children experienced a way of life where ethnic divisions were not dominant, and took a badly-needed break from their insecure surroundings. Hopefully they will take the lessons of this trip back into their everyday lives and communities.

Our advice to other peace building organisations would be – Don’t stop making changes.

Geographical Area of Operation

Mitrovica, Kosovo, and the city of Breda in the Netherlands, as well as the wider surroundings of the province of Brabant.

Funding Resources

Foundation "De Keyserkinderen"

Organisations Involved

• De Keyserkinderen; and
• CB Mitrovica.

Stories

"We visited the Zoo and different parks and now when I think back I do not know what to separate as special since everything there was so special; No barb wires, no police and soldiers, no enclave and living in fear, no harassments and violence, no divided city as here! At least for a few days, I had not to think of going back home before the dark while I play around the burnt and destroyed houses or catching the bus which you never know whether it will be attacked or not or people that look at you like you are so different from them. I will never forget Holland and Breda community and the great moments that we had there, in the camp and everywhere else we have been. The people that I met there, will remain in my heart, I will always, always remember them!"
Participant - 9 years old Mitrovica, Kosova.