On February 28, 2025, a high-level visit took place on the final event of the first exchange “Different But The Same Balkan Youth Is My Name” implemented within the third cycle of the Superschools program by the Sixth Belgrade Grammar School and “Ali Demi” High School from Vlora. Students of these two schools, with the support of the teaching staff, organized Ethno Fair that was visited by the representatives of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia, Delegation of the EU to Serbia, Ministry of Tourism and Youth of Serbia and RYCO Local Branch office in Belgrade.
The event was attended by the Deputy Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Serbia H.E. Carsten Meyer-Wiefhausen, Head of Operations, Section II, in Delegation of the EU to Serbia, Richard Maša, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism and Youth of Serbia, Vedrana Perović, Head of Department for strategic, normative and legal operational-analytical affairs and Aleksandar Radovanović, Head of Department for the cooperation with youth organization and youth offices, and the Head of the RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia, Marija Bulat.
In his opening remarks H.E Carsten Meyer-Wiefhausen highlighted: “Dream of all of us is to live in peace. We support this program because we learn from our own past and understand why cooperation and reconciliation are important processes.”
Mr. Richard Maša followed up with congratulations to students on participation in this program and concluded:
“This kind of program helps young generation to get prepared for mutual cooperation and understanding.”
Ms. Vedrana Perović greeted host and guest students and teachers, reminding them that “their creativity and ability to understand diversity makes this region a stronger and better place to live.”
Ms. Marija Bulat closed this introduction part with a motivational message to students:
“You have the power and do not underestimate your capacity and power to change things in your societies but also in this region. We count on you, and we are there to support you in next period.”
After the opening remarks, students who participated in the exchange program shared their personal experiences with guests, who also shared with them their memories of their first exchanges and what were the main impressions and insights. This session provided an opportunity to hear directly from the youth about the impact of the program on their personal growth, cultural awareness, and broader understanding of peace and the importance of peacebuilding. Esteemed guests also shared their experience on similar programs in which they participated but also were keen to find out more on the impressions of young popel on the program of the exchange, as well as on Belgrade. The session was moderated by Ms. Vesna Jevtić, Teacher Coordinator of the Exchange Program from the Sixth Belgrade Grammar School.
The final segment of the event was the Ethno Fair, where youth participants from both Serbia and Albania, along with their teacher coordinators, presented traditional objects from their cultures. Through these displays, they shared personal stories and traditions that represented their heritage. This provided a deeper look at cultural practices and artifacts, promoting a hands-on understanding of the shared and diverse histories of the participants. The Ethno Fair served as a powerful reminder of how cultural exchanges help bridge gaps and build mutual respect among societies.
