During the month of March, the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly held two living libraries.
First, an online live library was held with students from Sarajevo (Faculty of Political Sciences) on March 19, starting at 7 p.m. via the zoom platform. During this online workshop, three living books were presented: “Choose Your Way”, “Stress, Hormones, Suppression and Cancer” and “When the Silence Screams”, and the session lasted an hour and a half. The total number of participants was 15. On that occasion, students asked questions about the challenges faced by living books, such as the reactions of family or friends, and the general reaction of the community. Living books directly answered questions and commented on messages, and the students’ reactions were very positive, with the hope that they will be able to participate in a live or online living library again. On this occasion, we share an impression that arrived at our email a day later: “My words are so modest to express the feelings that the speaker/s evoked in me last night. The spurts of motivation followed by deep reflection made me reconsider some things in my life and move on to new adventures and victories. Thanks for the invitation, thanks for the organization, thanks for every word.”
The second living library was held live in partnership with the Reza Association on March 21. This time we were guests at the JU Construction School Mostar and four books were presented to the 1st grade students: “Childhood with Broken Wings”, “Face to Face”, “Without Control” and “When the Silence Screams”. The total number of participants with living books is 23. The students’ impressions were that they did not expect this kind of workshop in the sense that it made them seriously question themselves, think more deeply and see some things differently. Enthusiastic participants at the end of the reading pointed out that this was the first time they had the opportunity to talk openly with young people who successfully face the most difficult life challenges (such as disability or violence) and that this was an inspiring, educational and unforgettable experience for them.
The activity is part of the project “Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” supported by the American Embassy in BiH, and our next living library is in Srebrenica, which is planned for April 2024.
