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Nonviolent communicationMy name is Dženaida Dizdarevic Subašic. I was born 1971 in Tešanj, and I have been a teacher for 20 years. I am a mother of two children, my son Ensar is 23 and my daughter Dalila is 15. I enjoy spending time in nature, either with my dog or alone, simply connecting with nature without voices. I adore all animals. I love to travel and discover the beauty of cultural, historical towns.

When I was first introduced to Sezam’s workshops and trainings (supported by Global Family), I expected it to be just another educational obligation. However, these trainings and workshops turned into beautiful work. After every training I remembered more pleasant times when we did not think about the boundaries of “ours” and “theirs”; times when every word, even if it was harsh, was greeted with a smile and understanding.

With what I have learned, I now teach nonviolent communication with my students. I notice that the exercises from the workshops for self-esteem and children’s affirmation are very important for the overall development of the children. Listening activities for children help them to learn new material, because listening is very basic for communication. Skills learned in nonviolence workshops also help students have better relationships with more respect in dealing with each other. News

The newest election in October has not brought any concrete changes to Bosnian and Herzegovinan society. A large majority of population has lost even the hope that this election might bring some improvements as established centers of nationalist powers have remained unchanged. The population has lost all confidence in institutions, and the struggle against corruption and the power of laws has to become the strongest movements in this country if any future is to come.

UpdateMCC has supported Sezam very succesfully for the last three years. In April 2015 they will begin expanding to the towns of Livno,Glamoc, Šipovo, Prozor and Jablanica, through connections with schools, religious communities and other organizations.

Dženaida and her family dog, Odi.

Dženaida with her grade 3

Spring 2015–Bosnia and HerzegovinaEducation for the Future

Photos by program staffReport by Venira Alihodžic and Emir Džidic