On November 29, the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly in partnership with AC Future Modriča, organized another Living Library. This time we were guests at the Gymnasium Modriča (High School Center Jovan Cvijić) and four books were presented to the 2nd grade students: “When Silence Screams”, “Childhood with Broken Wings”, “Choose Your Path” and “Stress, Hormones, Suppression and Cancer”. 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 sexual violence) and that this was an inspiring, educational and unforgettable experience for them.
After the reading, a working lunch was held with representatives of AC Future Modriča, where they discussed the importance of using the Living Library in breaking prejudices and stereotypes, especially among young people.
On that occasion, the director of AC Future, Gordana Vidović, pointed out that it would be significant to use Living Books in breaking taboos related to domestic violence and violence against women, and it was agreed that in the coming period, HCA will work on the transfer of knowledge from the field of organizing Living Books so that this local organization would establish something similar.
This is part of the project “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover” which aims to use the concept of a living library to build a framework for conversation among young people that can break down prejudices, counter hate speech against marginalized groups and challenge existing stereotypes and prejudices in the country’s inter-ethnic communities, simultaneously using the storytelling method to promote reconciliation among young people.
The project is financially supported by the Embassy of the United States of America in BiH.
