October was a month filled with various events, collaborations, and educational opportunities at the War Childhood Museum (WCM), bringing together visitors, educators, and international representatives. Here’s a look back at the activities we hosted and participated in throughout the month:
Educational Visits and Programs
In October, we welcomed 27 educational visits from schools and institutions from across Bosnia-Herzegovina and also other countries—Croatia, Germany, USA, Italy, Denmark, Poland, and the Netherlands—showing our commitment to educating younger generations about the impact of war on children. During their recent stay in Sarajevo, Members of the European Parliament also visited the Museum to explore our permanent exhibition and engage in discussions with Director Amina Krvavac on the importance of our work. The visit underscored the need for international awareness and support in addressing the long-term effects of war on children.
Symposium on Educational Activities in Museums
On October 17 and 18, the Museum hosted a symposium titled “Educational Activities in the Museum: New Approaches and Perspectives,” bringing together 27 participants from Bosnia-Herzegovina and beyond. Led in collaboration with Anida Manko, recipient of the Lejla Hairlahović-Hušić scholarship, the symposium focused on inclusive educational practices, especially for persons with disabilities. Key speakers, such as Dragan Kiurski from the National Museum of Kikinda and Aida Vežić from the Balkan Museum Network, shared insights on the role of museums in fostering participation and accessibility. Sessions explored the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), museum theater, and creative empathy-building techniques, enriching participants’ approaches to education within their institutions.
International Conferences: Germany, Spain, and Estonia
Our Director-General, Jasminko Halilović, and Research Coordinator, Aynura Akbas, represented the Museum at prominent international conferences this month. Jasminko participated in the Nuremberg Forum 2024, joining experts to discuss the protection of children’s rights in conflict zones. Meanwhile, Aynura presented at the Places of Memory and Tourism seminar in Spain, contributing to discussions on how museums connect historical memory with contemporary perspectives.
Amina Krvavac, our Director in Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivered a keynote speech at the ICOM International Committee for Exhibitions annual conference, Momentum: Exhibitions and Memory in Tartu, Estonia, where she spoke on the essential role of museums in bridging history with the future. Her keynote highlighted the Museum’s dedication to amplifying survivor stories and fostering global awareness.
Speaking Out: Pop-Up Exhibition in Tartu, Estonia
Our “Speaking Out” pop-up exhibition, created with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, was showcased at the Estonian National Museum during the same conference. This exhibit featured body mapping artwork by survivors, offering a personal insight into their experiences, and reaching an international audience with their stories.
Game Testing for “We Grew Up in War”
This October, we began testing our highly anticipated video game, We Grew Up in War, in collaboration with Charles Games. High school students had their first look at this interactive experience, which immerses players in stories from children in conflict zones, including Bosnia, Syria, and Ukraine. The game is set for release in early 2026.
Creativity for Peace Project: Open Call and Applications
We are thrilled to announce that we received over 100 applications for our latest project, Creativity for Peace: Peace Education in Primary and Secondary Schools. This initiative will empower teachers and students across Bosnia and Herzegovina through creative workshops focused on peace education. We are currently reviewing applications and look forward to selecting participants who will work with us to promote peace in their communities.
Honoring Teachers, Mental Health, and Health Awareness
This October, the Museum recognized World Teachers’ Day by offering free admission to all teachers. We also marked World Mental Health Day, underscoring the importance of mental well-being in the recovery process for communities impacted by conflict. Additionally, our team joined the PINK@WORK campaign in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, proudly wearing pink to highlight the importance of early detection and show solidarity with those affected by breast cancer. Through these initiatives, we are committed to promoting health, well-being, and community support.
Spotlight on Collection Contributors: Interview with Larisa Šabanović
In October, we also featured an interview with Larisa Šabanović, one of our collection contributors. Larisa shared her personal reflections on what the War Childhood Museum means to her, providing readers with a unique perspective on the impact of our work. Read her story here.
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and initiatives!
