Program participant Armin Husić, a student at the Ivan Merz Catholic School Center in Banja Luka, shares how taking part in the program shaped his thinking and how he views the education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina today. Read his story below.

How did your understanding of peace change through the program?

Even before the workshop in March of the previous year, I was already well aware of how important peace is, as well as how deeply it is threatened—especially by those whose duty it is to protect it. Although youth is a period often marked by rebellious ideas and a certain kind of defiance, the workshop helped me realize that nothing is worth the devastation of peace, in any measure or in any form.

What observations have you made about peace among your peers? Have you noticed any changes in how they talk about peace before and after the workshops?

I noticed that for all of us, “Creativity for Peace” is, above all, a project where we learn a great deal, and that the knowledge we acquire—along with its proper application—is a guarantee for preserving and spreading peace. Together with peers who already uphold common-sense values, we carried out a series of workshops that were, in their own way, revolutionary, because many of the participants had never before had the opportunity to engage in concrete action aimed at promoting nonviolence and peaceful communication.

In your opinion, how should peace education be approached in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Education in general should be approached in a reform-oriented way, and the same applies to the formal education related to peace. It is necessary to fundamentally change an approach that is focused solely on content and to gradually remove everything that represents the malignant everyday realities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s education system, namely: revision of official history, denial of crimes and related court verdicts, glorification of war criminals, equating responsibility, avoidance of facts, and unnecessary concentration on trivial details—in short, everything that hinders the development of the educational process and, consequently, the progress of future generations.

These workshops are part of the “Creativity for Peace” program, through which we have trained more than 240 teachers and professors together with their students. After completing the trainings, participants continued to pass on the knowledge they gained in their schools and communities. In this way, knowledge that began in training rooms has reached more than 12,000 students across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As part of the program, participants keep diaries in which they reflect on their experiences of leading workshops and on peace more broadly.

In Tuzla, Ajla Džambić, a student at the Secondary Medical School, points out that promoting peace does not necessarily mean resolving major conflicts. Often, she says, it is about giving someone space to express themselves, to be heard, and to be understood.

“It is not easy to introduce new things into an established system. Some people may still not understand what we do, or why we do it. And that is okay. If we are truly committed to peace, that also means patience, persistence, and a willingness to accept challenges—even those that disappoint us,” Ajla says, speaking about her experience of leading workshops.

For her, the very process of teaching others also brought new insights and personal growth.
“We realized how unique each person is and how much we need to adapt to each individual in order to create interaction,” she adds.

Similar experiences are shared by Mak Dujković, a student at the Third Gymnasium in Sarajevo, who describes one moment from a workshop that particularly stayed with him.

“During one workshop at my school, I was especially struck by a conversation with a student who is generally known as rebellious and who openly expresses nationalist views. During the discussion about identities, conflicts, and borders, he asked provocative questions and defended the idea of territorial expansion as a ‘necessary right of a people’. Instead of immediately challenging him, I decided to listen and ask questions that led him to reflect more deeply on his own views.

At the end of the workshop, he approached me and said that for the first time he had realized how limiting those views actually were, and that they had led him more toward conflict than toward self-development. He said he understood that no ‘territorial expansion’ would help him become a better version of himself, nor would it bring him personal peace or meaning. That moment showed me that change is not always immediate, but that honest conversation and space for reflection can have a deep and lasting impact.”

Through the workshops, Ajla also had the opportunity to see how conversations about peace affect their peers.

“At the end of the workshop, someone said: ‘We never do this. We never talk like this. But we should do it more often.’ That sentence stayed with me. It was confirmation that this workshop was not just another school activity, but a moment of real change—maybe small, but important.”

In Banja Luka, another peer educator continues to spread similar ideas. Armin Husić from the Catholic School Centre “Ivan Merz” says that participating in the program encouraged him to think about long-term engagement in peacebuilding.

“I can imagine myself doing this even ten years from now, preferably with a slightly older group. The meaning of everything said in the name of peacebuilding finally sheds its layer of abstraction and takes on a concrete, physical form,” Armin says.

The experiences from the program are also reflected through the perspectives of teachers. Atina Mušić, a teacher at the “Mirsad Salkić” Primary School in Bužim, says that as an educator she is often repeatedly surprised by how deeply and thoughtfully young people can reflect on the world they live in when they are given space and a sense of safety.

“These workshops showed me that children can be agents of change if they are trusted and listened to. And that the past, no matter how heavy, can become a bridge to the future if it is shared in the right way.”

Working within the program brought her, she says, a deep sense of purpose, because “working with children today means building the foundations of peace for tomorrow.”

The workshops are ongoing, and conversations about peace continue in over 60 schools across the country.

“The idea of peace is something that is extremely needed. There are many ways to approach it, and it is important to connect young people and adults so that we can live it together,” says Tarik Hasanić, a teacher at the Zenica Medical High School.

Creativity for Peace: The Opportunity to Learn and Pass on Knowledge to Others

Young people in this program had the opportunity not only to learn, but also to pass on knowledge to others. “I see a change in us, we started presenting our ideas more clearly, and students also became more interested in what we had to say,” notes Džan Džider from the same school.

Participants recognized how important it is to spread what they had learned. “What we are learning here is important for all young people,” says Lejla Alimanović from the Center for Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation Sarajevo.

The program brings together schools of different types and profiles. “This is the inclusion everyone talks about, and now we are putting it into practice, showing that diversity is not here to divide us, but to connect us, so we can build a better future together,” adds teacher Amira Fejzić from Zenica Vocational Secondary School.

So far, the program has reached more than 6,000 high school students, and with the start of the new school year, our activities continue.

The project CREATIVITY FOR PEACE is being implemented in cooperation with the Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step, with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

Shaping the Vision: Goals, Achievements, and What’s Next

The board members – Adis Salkić (Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports), Amina Krvavac (War Childhood Museum), Samir Omerefendić (UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund – PBF in BiH), and Stela Vasić (Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH) – were presented with the project’s goals and key components, past activities and achievements, as well as plans for the next stages of implementation. The presentation also included detailed information about the project, such as the number of participants, the local communities involved across Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the partner organizations working with schools through educational and creative youth engagement.

Empowering Youth and Educators Across Bosnia and Herzegovina

This two-year initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a paradigm shift in peacebuilding in BiH. Its focus is on empowering a new generation of young leaders in the field of peacebuilding, while also strengthening the capacities of young peace activists in more than 20 municipalities and cities across the country. The project will also support a significant number of educators from over 30 local communities in developing peace education skills they can pass on to future generations of students.

During the multi-day workshops, participants were introduced to tools of peace pedagogy, enabling them to later use these tools in workshops they will lead for their peers in local communities.

Workshop Impressions

Amina Bitići from Vareš highlighted that the most interesting part for her was the practical component of the training, where they practiced what they would later be teaching themselves.
“What matters most to me is bringing as much positive energy as possible into every classroom, so even those who might not initially find this interesting end up enjoying it,” she said.

Mina Vehabović from Doboj Istok praised the approach of the educators:
“It was very engaging, not dry or just theoretical. Everything was presented in a really nice way, and I plan to pass it on to my peers in a similar way.”

War Childhood Museum Visit

As part of the program, participants also visited the War Childhood Museum’s permanent exhibition. Teacher Nedžad Jukan from Lukavac shared that many of the objects on display took him back to his own childhood, as he too belongs to a generation that grew up during the war.“Many things reminded me of what I used, what I experienced,” he said, adding that using stories from the museum’s collection in workshops encourages peace, tolerance, coexistence, understanding, empathy, and acceptance of diversity.

An important aspect of the program was also the interaction among young people from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Teacher Alma Mahmutović from Vareš noted that some students arrived with certain prejudices, but overcame them through shared experiences and collaboration: “These workshops are a fantastic way for children to connect and to learn what peace truly is.”

In the next phase, students will implement workshops in their own schools, with support from mentors from the War Childhood Museum and its partner organizations.

The workshop brought together 31 participants from various schools and municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over the course of a three-day program consisting of eight interactive sessions, they had the opportunity to explore innovative tools for peacebuilding.

Teacher Sanja Tomić from Sveti Franjo Elementary School in Tuzla shared her impressions of the training techniques: “We step into a child’s shoes, the child we all carry within us, and start seeing everything around us through a child’s eyes. That, in my opinion, is when the learning process truly begins.”

Innovative Methods

Educators Merima Ražanica from the War Childhood Museum (WCM) and Namir Ibrahimović from Step by Step trained participants in innovative and interactive teaching techniques and methods, such as image theater, opinion line, and the use of video games. Through these approaches, they explored topics including stereotypes, prejudice, and justice.

“The training was very successful – all participants showed great interest and engagement in learning new techniques for peacebuilding. Many stated after the training that their motivation had further increased and that they are now even more enthusiastic about passing on the knowledge they gained to their students,” said Ajla Fazlić, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the project.

Creativity for Peace is part of the broader PEACESTORY project, implemented by the WCM in collaboration with local partners, with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).

Why Peace Education Matters

Peace education is about developing emotional intelligence, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging students to question biases, stereotypes, and deeply held prejudices. The War Childhood Museum recognizes the importance of this approach and has developed educational activities and creative workshops to raise awareness of the vital need to build a world in which future generations can live in peace.

Merima Ražanica, the Museum’s Educational Activities Coordinator, explains the Museum’s commitment: “The Museum provides a comprehensive space and resources for learning about peace. On one hand, it offers a historical and cultural context through its collection, and on the other, it presents a safe space for dialogue on sensitive topics. Through these activities, children learn to develop empathy and understanding, essential prerequisites for peacebuilding.”

At the core of the Museum’s peace education efforts are workshops tailored to different age groups, starting with children in the third grade of elementary school up to high school seniors. These workshops are designed to engage young participants in meaningful discussions about their own roles in peacebuilding and help participants reflect on their own experiences and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of the human impact of conflict.

One student from Bijelo Polje, Mostar, shared: “I learned to be aware of my actions and prejudices.” Another student from Kalesija echoed this sentiment, saying they enjoyed how the workshops created a fun learning experience while deepening their connection to the objects on display.

Support for Teachers

The Museum doesn’t only focus on children – it is also committed to supporting teachers in their role as peacebuilders. Through its Center for Education on Peace and Justice, the Museum provides resources and activity plans to help teachers incorporate peace education into their classrooms. These materials, developed by education experts, help teachers guide students through complex discussions on conflict, empathy, and human rights.

Teachers’ visits to the Museum are also welcome and encouraged. Ana Radaković, Project Assistant at the Belgrade-based Grad – European Centre for Culture and Debate, recently brought a group of teachers from Serbia to visit the Museum. Radaković emphasizes the importance of these interactions in terms of the knowledge teachers can pass on to their students: “I think the key, above all, is getting to know each other. People who know each other, who share some experience, form the foundation. It’s very important for these children, these young people, to grasp that there is someone else out there. That the person on the other side is a child, just like them—who will one day be a teenager, who will grow up, and so on. I believe that through encounters and learning each other’s stories, it becomes much harder to steer these children in a different direction.”

Ivana Popo, a teacher from JU O.Š. “Bijelo Polje” Potoci Mostar, shared her experience when she visited the Museum with her class: “At first, my students were indifferent, seeing it as ‘just another museum.’ But once the workshops began, I saw surprise and interest on their faces. The unique and engaging approach allowed them to grasp the concepts of solidarity and togetherness. Through our visit, they realized that every child affected by war carries the same traumas, fears, and the same single wish – peace.”

The Long-Term Impact of Peace Education

The lessons learned at the Museum go beyond the classroom. By engaging students in these meaningful discussions, the Museum helps to shape future leaders who are more empathetic, open-minded, and equipped to address the challenges of living in a diverse and often polarized world. As students reflect on their experiences – both through the Museum’s exhibitions and in the structured workshops – they become more aware of their own responsibilities in fostering peace within their communities.

A teacher from Osnovna škola “Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević” in Sarajevo emphasized: “This museum allows us to understand war from the perspective of a child. I believe visiting the War Childhood Museum should be a part of every school’s annual curriculum.”

An Invitation to Build Peace Together

More than 5,000 children participate in the Museum’s educational activities annually. With workshops designed to enhance empathy, solidarity, and mutual understanding, the Museum remains a vital resource for educators seeking to bring peace education into their classrooms.

In our latest initiative, Creativity for Peace, the Museum will further this mission by empowering teachers and students across Bosnia and Herzegovina to become active peacebuilders. Through creative workshops and specialized training, this project will support educators in guiding their students toward transforming their communities and fostering positive peace. For more information about Creativity for Peace or to apply for participation, please visit our website. 

“Creativity for peace” represents a new paradigm in peacebuilding initiatives by blending creativity with peace education for students and teachers across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through interactive workshops, teachers and students are introduced to the concepts and practical skills of peacebuilding, turning classrooms into dynamic spaces where students can explore and share their perspectives on peace, justice, and social responsibility.

Benefits for Educators

This project not only addresses the gap in peace education within formal curricula but also provides educators with essential pedagogical tools to inspire young people as peacebuilders. As Namir Ibrahimović, Program Manager at Step by Step, explains, “Teachers will master a range of active classroom methods, discuss teaching approaches with their students, and compare their own practices with newly acquired methods. They’ll gain ideas for classroom activities and, through the training itself, learn alongside students as they help develop peer-led workshops.” This training offers a model for effective professional development, Ibrahimović emphasizes, that combines a solid theoretical base, practical application, replication, and mentorship.

Drawing on its deep-rooted connections with schools across the country, the War Childhood Museum recognized the need for a structured peace education curriculum. As Merima Ražanica, the Museum’s Educational Activities Coordinator, notes, “Our close partnerships with schools throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina have revealed a need for additional peace education resources, which are only sporadically included in primary and secondary school curricula.” This project, she explains, offers essential resources for teaching nonviolent conflict resolution, human rights, and democratic participation – skills that are vital to fostering a culture of peace and inclusivity.

Teachers who participate will also experience a transformative journey alongside their students. Ibrahimović highlights that they will gain insights into new active classroom methodologies, compare their practices with these new approaches, and collaboratively develop workshops to share within their schools. “This training,” he explains, “serves as a guide for structuring professional development of teachers in a way that is theoretically sound, practically applicable, replicable, and supported by mentorship.” This comprehensive approach ensures that both teachers and students become peace educators, engaging in meaningful dialogue to nurture positive values and a commitment to peace.

A New Model for Peacebuilding Initiatives

By empowering young people to become active contributors to their communities, “Creativity for Peace” has the potential to model inclusive peacebuilding actions, sparking an ongoing dialogue that not only enriches the educational experience but also strengthens societal bonds.

“Designed workshops deepen the meaning of the concept of ‘peace’ and question what prerequisites and competencies need to be developed in children to ensure that peace becomes a dominant value in Bosnian society,” commented Namir Ibrahimović.

Through mentorship and peer-led education, this project equips teachers and students to address the obstacles to peace within their communities and inspires them to act in ways that benefit society as a whole.

For teachers across Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is a chance to transform the educational landscape and cultivate a generation committed to the values of peace and empathy – principles that lay the foundation for a more inclusive, just, and peaceful society.

For more information and the application form, visit our website.

In the first phase of the project, selected secondary school teachers from over 20 municipalities will have the opportunity to acquire new pedagogical skills, which will help them integrate peace education into their curricula. Additionally, a selected group of students will also participate in workshops and develop skills that they can share with their peers, contributing to creating positive changes in their communities.

Participants’ Experiences from Previous Projects

For years, the Museum has successfully collaborated with schools and teaching staff in Sarajevo and across the country. Read some of the impressions from participants in our educational workshops in the field of peace education.

A teacher from JU O.Š. “Bijelo Polje” Potoci, Mostar, emphasized: “Peace education is crucial for our region and our children. By visiting the War Childhood Museum, students have understood that every child from a war-affected area carries the same traumas and shares the same desire – for peace.”

A teacher from Secondary School of Hospitality and Tourism, Sarajevo, noted: “I’ve been collaborating with the Museum for two years, and I am very pleased with the knowledge of the educators, the environment, and the workshops they offer.”

“It was truly a pleasure to participate in your workshop. All praise for the organization, the venue, the educators, their approach, the readiness to accommodate, understanding of the previous narratives the students encountered, the ability to react appropriately to some unexpected situations (…) a rarely seen phenomenal combination of professionalism, dedication, and enthusiasm,” said a high school teacher from Belgrade.

Open Call for Applications

We invite all interested secondary school teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina  to apply for participation in this important project. In the open call, you can find all the details about the training and workshops and how you can become part of this initiative. This is an opportunity to contribute to building a culture of peace and reconciliation in your community. The application deadline is 31 October 2024. Participation in the project is free and all the travel and accommodation costs are covered.

More information and the application form can be found on our website.

The project CREATIVITY FOR PEACE is being implemented in cooperation with the Center for Educational Initiatives Step by Step, with the support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF).