Students from Denmark visit the Information Centre on ICTY and Sarajevo City Hall

The Information Centre on ICTY Sarajevo and the Sarajevo City Hall hosted students from the Danish folk high school Silkeborg Højskole. This unique educational institution cherishes a tradition where learning is not done for grades and exams, but for life, freedom, and a deeper understanding of the world. It was precisely in this spirit that their study visits to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina took place.

The official program of the visit began with the screening of a documentary film about the football legend, leader of the BH national team, and world football star – Edin Džeko. Through the film, the young guests from Denmark had the opportunity to understand why Džeko is much more than an athlete for Sarajevo and the entirety of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He is a true symbol of unity and patriotism, a football legend who left his heart on the field and always directed his recognizable strength towards humane acts, selfless humanitarian work, and providing help to those who needed it most.

The educational segment of the visit continued at the Information Centre on ICTY Sarajevo. Through authentic court evidence and materials, the guests from Denmark learned about human rights, violations of the Geneva Conventions, and judicially established facts regarding genocide and crimes against humanity. A special focus was placed on the siege of Sarajevo, given that the city actively nurtures a culture of remembrance through memorialization, while the Information Centre permanently preserves these historical proofs from oblivion.

In continuation of the program, the students toured the museum and historical premises of the City Hall (Vijećnica), which itself represents a symbol of resistance and the cultural renaissance of Sarajevo. During the guided tour, they visited the Ceremonial Hall, the City Council Hall, Portraits of Mayors, as well as the permanent exhibition “City Hall,” which preserves the memory of the siege of the city and the courage of its citizens.

This exceptionally important visit was realized thanks to the initiative of Anđelka Matijević, who recognized the significance of connecting young people from Denmark with the history and culture of our city. She is the most credited for the successful organization of this event, which was carried out in coordination with Professor Klaus, who led the group of Danish students.

Danish folk high schools often use the phrase that their students “might not know what they have learned, but they will never forget it.” We are certain that they will carry permanent memories and vital lessons about humanity from Sarajevo that will accompany them throughout their lives.