The 21st Bosnian and Herzegovina Supplementary Schools Meetings were organised by the Bosnian and Herzegovina Citizens’ Organisations in Derby on behalf of the Bosnia UK Network, which has sponsored these meetings since the very beginning. These meetings of Bosnians and Herzegovinans on the Island have undoubtedly become the largest gathering of BiH citizens in the UK.
The friendly hosts did everything to make the gathering go smoothly, just as we are used to. Even this year’s gathering, inspired by the previous one, did not disappoint, and raised the bar of the organization to an even higher level. At the same time, this was a unique opportunity to refresh old memories, make new friendships, and for all students to gain awareness of belonging to one community.
At the beginning of the program, the national anthems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Great Britain were played. . The event was jointly opened and hosted by Mr. Ferid Kevrić , Manager of the BH Centre in Derby, and Mr. Anes Cerić , Manager of the BH UK Network. They thanked those present for coming and announced the start of this year’s programme. The announcements were made bilingually because of the distinguished guests (British).
The attendees at this year’s meetings were first addressed by Kemo Sarač , Assistant Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH, who in his address thanked them for the invitation and congratulated them on the organization and holding of the 21st meeting of BiH supplementary schools. He emphasized the importance of the work and activities of BiH supplementary schools, the work of volunteer teachers with children in order to preserve their native language and culture in the diaspora, and that the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of BiH supports their work and is available to help.
“I have to admit that the 21st meeting of BH supplementary schools is much more than a tradition of holding such events. These meetings are actually a long-term investment in the cooperation of emigrants with their homeland. Your community in Great Britain may be a small community, but it is a community that should and can serve as an example to other Bosnian and Herzegovinian communities in the 51st country of the world, how to organize and, more importantly, how to organize classes in the supplementary education of children in emigration, what is the connection with homeland would not be lost forever,” said Mr. Sarač.
The gathering was also welcomed by Igor Bašić , Minister Counsellor of the BiH Embassy in London, who expressed his pleasure at attending an event like this and highlighted the key role of remedial school teachers, who, with their selfless volunteer work, make an immeasurable contribution to the overall picture of the work of schools in the mother tongue. He thanked the organizer for the invitation and hospitality, and congratulated the 21 years of successful work of BiH remedial schools and wished them further success in their work.
The following also had the opportunity to address the audience: Nermina Webster , president of the Host Association , Amil Khan , director of the Remembering Srebrenica association, and Zaim Pašić , president of the Bosnia UK Network.
This was followed by a cultural and artistic program in which students from five supplementary schools in the United Kingdom participated: Derby, Hertfordshire, Victoria London, Birmingham and Coventry . They all also received applause for their interesting performances, eloquent recitations, drama, ballads and sevdalinka. The unforgettable gathering could not have taken place without the KUD “Bosanski biseri” Derby and the KUD “Mladost Bosne” from Birmingham . Some from Derby, others from Birmingham and all trained with the expertise, love and patience of choreographer Fahira Hasedžić , they drew a long and well-deserved applause from the packed hall, filled to the last seat.
Unfortunately, the BiH secondary school Manchester could not perform due to previously undertaken obligations, but their greetings and good wishes were conveyed to us by Mrs. Sadija Muminović , who has been supporting the work and activities of this school for many years.
The awarding of certificates of appreciation for the participation of the mentioned schools took place, and at the very end, an unusual event. Representatives of the Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina awarded appropriate certificates of appreciation to all teachers and volunteers who decided to dedicate their free time, for many years, selflessly to teaching the young generation of Bosnian origin on the Island. Next on the schedule was the lunch prepared by the hardworking volunteers of the local association. They welcomed around 500 guests with a rich selection of food.
The cultural and artistic part of the program was preceded by an evaluation of the art works of students of supplementary schools on the topic of motifs from Bosnia and Herzegovina and free topics… After the commission selected the best works, Mr. Igor Bašić had the honor of congratulating the winners and presenting awards to Amila Dergić (first place-Birmingham), Dženita Salkić (second place-Derby) and Melina Saračević Hujić (third place-Coventry).
Beautiful weather and extremely good conditions for the planned sports activities enticed everyone present outside. Football took the lead this time as well, accompanied by thunderous cheering from all ages. Sports games were held for the students of supplementary schools, after which the winners were presented with prizes for the first, second and third places. In football, junior age, the first place was won by the Coventry school, second place by Birmingham and third place by Derby . Older age, the first place was Hertfordshire school, the second place was Birmingham , while the third place was won by the school from Coventry . Whatever the medal may be, it is rather just a symbol of your victory, and you carry the victory in your heart, soul and pride.
Bronze, silver, gold… all of these are medals to commemorate an unforgettable gathering.
Dear Bosnians and Herzegovinans, first of all, thank you for the massive response to everyone individually. Many thanks to our distinguished guests, teachers, students and parents. Thank you, the most beautiful BH. to the Derby Association, our host this year, for their exceptional kindness, unforgettable welcome and hospitality, especially our lovely housewives who made an effort to make sure that every guest was hosted in an appropriate way.
Many thanks and see you next year in even greater numbers in another city at the 22nd meeting!
