Hertfordshire, England hosted the 25th anniversary of the Bosnian Schools in the UK, held on 8 June under the auspices of the Bosnia UK Network. The landmark event brought together Bosnian schools from across the country, including schools from Hertfordshire, Coventry, Derby, London (Victoria) and Birmingham, as well as over 300 Bosnians and Herzegovinans.
In front of the hosts and patrons, the event was opened by Zaim Pašić, president of Bosnia UK Network and others. Emina Elkazović, secretary of the BH association of Hertfordshire, who welcomed the attendees.
H.E. Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom, attended the event and in his address stressed the importance of such meetings for the preservation of the Bosnian language and culture and expressed gratitude to the host country for the continued support that the United Kingdom provides to BiH and its emigrants. The attendees were also addressed by the Mayor of Hertsmere Alpha Collins, Colonel David Williams as the envoy of King Charles, the Chief Imam for the UK Sedin ef. Šahman and the MA in Bosnian language Amela Isanović, who traveled from Sweden for this occasion.
Language and Identity Preservation
The focus of the meeting was the importance of preserving the Bosnian language and nurturing identity. Children from all schools demonstrated enviable knowledge through recitations, songs and dance performances, demonstrating a strong connection with their homeland. KUD members Fahira Hasedžić additionally enriched the program with several folk choreographies, bringing the spirit of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Great Britain.
Sedin ef. Šahman, the chief imam of the UK, who is also a mother tongue teacher, in his inspired speech gave his full support to the Bosnian UK Network, on behalf of the Islamic Community of the UK and the congregation.
Amela Isanović, a master’s degree holder in Bosnian language and author of books promoting Bosnian tradition, shared her impressions of the event:
“The 25th meeting of supplementary Bosnian schools in Great Britain was an opportunity to exchange ideas and contacts, for support, but also to confirm that Bosnian love makes us better and stronger. I enjoyed a wonderful day, a huge and lively welcome, but even more so the conversation and meetings with the children and our Bosnians and Herzegovinans. These people delighted me with their work and effort. It is impossible to say who was sweeter and more playful. Songs, dances and recitals, all inspired by the homeland. The wonderful experience that I bring from England will warm me for a long time with the conviction that “Bosnia will be as long as Bosnia is in children’s hearts.”
Despite all the challenges, we have managed to maintain the continuity of the work of Bosnian and Herzegovinian supplementary schools for more than two and a half decades and to proudly mark the silver jubilee, the 25th Meeting of Bosnian and Herzegovinian Schools in Great Britain.
We congratulate the BH Association Hertfordshire on the outstanding organization, which was truly at a high level, and the guests had the opportunity to treat themselves to dishes prepared by housewives from Hertfordshire.
