In the aftermath of conflict, societies are faced with the challenge of rebuilding their education systems under the auspices of new political landscapes. Oftentimes, those that suffer most from these broken education systems are children, especially those physical, mental, or emotional disabilities.
“You see a lot of human rights practices and norms under assault all over the world. In our region especially, we are witnessing the forces of nationalism and populism and there’s a growing perception that the US isn’t as engaged as a steward for human rights as it once was,” says Cooley.
The weight of war lies in the fact that, even after the armed conflict ends, it leaves a burden on the hearts of all people. Thus, in many ways, that war continues on. How much heart and soul must one possess to resist hatred towards those who have committed injustice?
When it all began 20 years ago upon founding the association, they didn't know what their reach would be, what challenges they would face, or how much support or controversy they would encounter along the way. It took the courage of a few like-minded individuals who wished for positive change and shared a common vision to make life better in Srebrenica.
Merima Dervović from Visoko is a student of the Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Italian Language and Literature and is a person living with a disability. Merima's primary goal is to initiate an open dialogue about the prejudices against disabled people and the challenges they face in society.