Days of cultural celebration, creativity, and collaboration in Biha\u0107, Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathered a group of 41 young people embarked on an immersive journey through rhythms and melodies, sharing their cultural backgrounds through art. Coming from Afghanistan, Morocco and Syria as migrants and refugees, welcomed by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), the participants found a way to convey common human experiences in the arts. The dynamic dance and singing workshops bridged cultural divides and changed perceptions – creating a common group to celebrate shared humanity. Amina Hod\u017ei\u0107 and Ajdin Mufti\u0107, two youth from Bosnia participated in the workshop and share their experience with us. <\/p>\n
JRS: “Amina, as a trainer for this workshop, how has your previous experience with the GenRosso members in Biha\u0107 and Sarajevo influenced the way you approached teaching the participants?”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Amina: “The time I spent with GenRosso was incredibly enriching. Their passion for music and the arts really resonated with me, and it was something I aimed to pass on to the workshop participants. Seeing the way music can transcend language and cultural barriers inspired me to foster the same environment here. The energy in Biha\u0107 and Sarajevo was electric, and I wanted to bring that same vibrancy and enthusiasm to our sessions.”<\/span><\/p>\n JRS: “And what does it mean to you to see such a high turnout of locals and refugees for this workshop?”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Amina: “It’s deeply gratifying. It shows that there’s a genuine desire for connection and understanding across different cultures within our community. Music and dance are universal languages that can unite us. I feel privileged to be a part of something that not only teaches.<\/span><\/p>\n JRS: “Amina, beyond the workshop itself, can you share how your experiences with GenRosso have influenced your private life’?”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Amina: “Absolutely. The experience has been transformative not just for me, but for my whole family. You know, initially, there was a certain apprehension in my household about the refugee situation, which is understandable given all the changes in our community. But through my involvement with GenRosso and now as a trainer, I’ve been able to bring some of that world into our home. My parents have seen firsthand the positive impact these workshops have on everyone involved. They’ve heard the stories, seen the joy, and understood the struggles of the participants. This personal touch has changed their viewpoint \u2014 the participants aren’t just ‘migrants’ to us anymore; they are ‘people on the move,’ with hopes, dreams, and the desire for a sense of belonging. It’s been heartwarming to see my parents welcome this understanding into their hearts and our home.” <\/span><\/p>\n *<\/b><\/p>\n