War Childhood Museum Honored for Peace Program
The War Childhood Museum in Sarajevo has received a regional award. The Jelena Šantić Foundation presented this honor for the museum's "Furaj mir" (Drive Peace) program. The award promotes art and social initiatives that build peace, tolerance, and understanding. It also remembers Jelena Šantić, a key peace activist.
Filip Ejdus, a jury member, explained the choice. He noted the Museum shares human tragedy through stories of children who lived through war. This helps people connect beyond ethnic divisions. It fosters an inclusive spirit in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ejdus praised "Furaj mir" for its innovative work with young people. He said it makes transitional justice a real, lived experience, not just an idea.
Irina Ljubić, director of the Jelena Šantić Foundation, added that "Furaj mir" empowers youth. It makes them active creators of change. Participants learn that facing the past helps build a responsible and peaceful society. Maida Salkanović accepted the award for the Museum. She highlighted that young people in the program showed what a strong society needs. This includes justice, truth, empathy, and equal opportunities for lasting peace. She believes such programs offer hope and value young people's efforts.
The "Furaj mir" program ran for two years. It involved over 120 young people from Bosnia and Herzegovina. They explored peace-building themes through research and exhibitions. The program is part of "Peace Stories." It receives support from the UN Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund. Partners include Mozaik Foundation and the Association of High School Students in BiH.
