Summary: Using different provided sources such as international articles about the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the period, book excerpts, as well as photographs, students learn facts about the war and siege of Sarajevo and put together a picture of how life was for the children growing up in it. They discuss the importance of memorialization and preservation and engage in different individual art projects to convey their understanding of the siege, or to spread awareness about the aftermaths of the siege of Sarajevo.

Main age group(s) for activity or activities: 14-16

Time needed: 1×30 min, 2×60 min.

Objectives

  • To discover the basic facts about the Bosnian War.
  • To understand how children suffered during the siege of Sarajevo.
  • To recognize the importance of the Arts and Literature in keeping the human spirit alive.

Materials needed: Print-out version of the story “The Book from Vijećnica” and the personal object connected to it. Print-out versions of resources from the Annexes of this activity plan.

Download Activity Plan PDF
Themes: Destruction, friends, war, being a child in war / everyday life in war, siege, loss
Emotions and feelings: Fear, courage, defiance, fulfillment
Types of objects: Publication
Methodologies: Group research, working in pairs, small group work, discussion, individual work; drama, theatre and poetry