Pancevo and other things...
Monday morning we all left for Pancevo Elementary School.... We packed up everything and loaded up a bus for the trip to one of the PSI member schools. The students checked out for their overnight stays with local families. I can only give a point by point outline of what happened because 1) it was a very full day and 2) because it was series of overwhelmingly emotional events that can't be described acceptably in a few minutes at an Internet cafe. Luckily we have plenty of film and stills to help recreate the events later on.
In short form, we did a bus tour of Novi Belgrade and the older and heavily populated mass of apartment building and other modern structured area surrounding the old city. We viewed the subdivision where Milosevic and peers lived. We saw a Roma encampment beside the highway, and generally did a windsheild tour viewing massive concrete Soviet era style structures related to telecommunications and other facilities.
When we pulled up in front of Pancevo Elementary School we heard through the bus windows the creaming of young voices and were left speechless at the sight of hundreds of young faces waving hand made paper flags of welcome.
There was an archway constructed for is to pass through, and as we assembled in the school foyer it became increasingly difficult to contain emotions as we saw every single wall and viewable area filled with children gawking and laughing and smiling excitedly.
There was singing and speaking. There was a dance after 6pm and it was a blast. Some of the Canadian students are like Pied Pipers with a posse of local kids following them around wherever they go. Some of the billet hosts has gangs of local kids over the meet the Canadians. It's really great!
The people here gave us a welcome far exceeding anything we could have expected. There was instant bonding between Canadian and Serbian students. Various activities took place and we were able to sit and have some dialogue between adults as well, which was also very important and which opened some doors and paved the way for more discussion and interaction today when we return for workshops and an evening concert with Bilja Krstic. http://www.bilja.co.yu/
Meanwhile, in the evenings some of the adults meet to discuss the political and social past of Serbia and to undertand better what happened and what is the situation today. It's a complex subject and takes careful consideration of information from many sources. We are very privileged to be able to have open discussions with Serbians and to absorb their opinions, thoughts and experiences. What we are exposed to in Western media seems not to be an accurate picture. It's interesting, enlightening, and is a humbling experience.
Other notes:
More later....
Cheers! John
In short form, we did a bus tour of Novi Belgrade and the older and heavily populated mass of apartment building and other modern structured area surrounding the old city. We viewed the subdivision where Milosevic and peers lived. We saw a Roma encampment beside the highway, and generally did a windsheild tour viewing massive concrete Soviet era style structures related to telecommunications and other facilities.
When we pulled up in front of Pancevo Elementary School we heard through the bus windows the creaming of young voices and were left speechless at the sight of hundreds of young faces waving hand made paper flags of welcome.
There was an archway constructed for is to pass through, and as we assembled in the school foyer it became increasingly difficult to contain emotions as we saw every single wall and viewable area filled with children gawking and laughing and smiling excitedly.
There was singing and speaking. There was a dance after 6pm and it was a blast. Some of the Canadian students are like Pied Pipers with a posse of local kids following them around wherever they go. Some of the billet hosts has gangs of local kids over the meet the Canadians. It's really great!
The people here gave us a welcome far exceeding anything we could have expected. There was instant bonding between Canadian and Serbian students. Various activities took place and we were able to sit and have some dialogue between adults as well, which was also very important and which opened some doors and paved the way for more discussion and interaction today when we return for workshops and an evening concert with Bilja Krstic. http://www.bilja.co.yu/
Meanwhile, in the evenings some of the adults meet to discuss the political and social past of Serbia and to undertand better what happened and what is the situation today. It's a complex subject and takes careful consideration of information from many sources. We are very privileged to be able to have open discussions with Serbians and to absorb their opinions, thoughts and experiences. What we are exposed to in Western media seems not to be an accurate picture. It's interesting, enlightening, and is a humbling experience.
Other notes:
- Sarah's chair was fixed by a local mechanic late on Sunday evening- he refused payment.
- We now have a boy's basketball team and a girl's volleyball team!
- Through small deeds great things things are accomplished.
- Serbian's love to treat guests to plum brandy.
- Teachers are great all over the world.
More later....
Cheers! John
posted by John van Gurp at 11:28 PM
3 Comments:
Words just can't do here can they.Iwas so very moved - to tears literally when I read your note John, and Kathleen's last night to describe 'the best day of her life" . you are indeed peacemakers .children are our hope for peace, for it begins best with friendship and who better to make friends naturally and genuinely . Linda
Happy birthday to John.
What an experience this is for all of you.
Unbelievable, I do admire you all for going so far from home and bringing friendship and trust to the Serbian people who need it.
This will never be forgotten.
Best wishes to all of you.
John, I want you to know that I look forward everyday to your Journal Postings. I truly admire everything that you guys are doing. It really touches me to know what a difference you guys are making and also receiving.
Paula (Alyssa's Mom)
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