The impact of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be felt, even 30 years after the end of the conflict. For the generation born after the war, like Selma and Danilo, building a clear and unified future is a major challenge. These two students, respectively Bosnian and Serb, share their experience and their difficulties navigating in a country which retains deep ethnic divisions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country where identity and religion are closely linked. According to Danilo, defining oneself as a Bosnian Serb is seen as an attempt to separate from their homeland and divide them. Selma, for her part, remembers her first days in Sarajevo, where she was able to meet people of her own ethnicity and religion, a new experience for her.
The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina has left deep scars, particularly because of the different versions of history taught in the country. The education system is fragmented, with a separate curriculum in the Serbian Republic and the Federation of Bosnia. Selma points out that the Civil War is missing from history classes, which means young people must turn to other sources, such as movies, the Internet and political speeches, to learn about their own past.
However, despite these divisions and political manipulation, Selma and Danilo both have one thing in common: they want to stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina and help build a better country. Danilo explains that he does not want to leave the country and start again elsewhere, like his parents did. Instead, they want to do their best so that their country can reach its full potential and face its current challenges.
Youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina face unique challenges due to the country’s ethnic divisions and historical tensions. However, Selma, Danilo and other young people like them are determined to overcome these obstacles and build a future where diversity and unity can coexist in harmony. It is this desire to see their country evolve that drives their commitment and their aspirations.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country in constant evolution, and the voices of its youth are essential in shaping its future. Through their determination and desire for change, Selma and Danilo represent the hope of a new generation, ready to overcome the divisions of the past and build a better future for all.