With Burja around Europe – The Journey to the Intercultural Inclusion

In the heart of the German capital, the representatives of Zavod Burja experienced an exceptional learning trip within the Erasmus+ program. Our goal was to visit the organization Südost Europa Kultur e.V., which empowers vulnerable social groups with informal education, counselling, and employment programs. Emphasis is placed on refugees and migrants from South-Eastern Europe, especially women who need exceptional support in integrating into a new environment.

Berlin, a city of history and culture, was the perfect venue for the meeting of two organizations working for intercultural dialogue, peace, and democracy. Our bonds became even stronger when we realized that we and our hosts give special care to older women with fewer opportunities. Our goal is to create opportunities for better integration, visibility, and social acceptance.

One of the most inspiring experiences was getting to know the art programs run by women who survived the horrors of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their handmade handkerchiefs with traditional Bosniak motifs have become a symbol of recovery. This therapeutic response attracted public attention, and their handicraft products were exhibited in many national museums, including the National Museum in Dresden.

A meeting with female immigrants from Bosnia who arrived in Berlin in the early 90s revealed another touching story. These women greatly missed their gardens, as they all came from smaller towns with gardens and fields. After several years of efforts, Südost Europa Kultur e.V. recognized their need and acquired a plot in the centre of Berlin, which is now called the Intercultural Garden. This garden is a place to grow crops such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and spices, as well as for knowledge sharing and cultural connection.

Over time, the intercultural garden has become a symbol of integration, green transition and cooperation. The women here grow crops and host school excursions, where they pass on their experience and knowledge to young people in differently adapted workshops. This garden was also visited by Prince Charles, now King Charles, which further testifies to its importance and influence. Through this garden, the stories of the past intertwine with the present, and new opportunities for the future are also created.

Our adult participants quickly acquired digital skills in the big city, as most logistical matters had to be done online. Transportation, ticketing, check-in processes, finding locations, and shopping required the use of modern technology in a metropolis like Berlin. This process required a lot of patience and coordination, which strengthened teamwork and mutual trust. For some participants, it was also a unique experience, as they were flying an aeroplane for the first time, and some after more than 30 years.

Our experience in Berlin was profoundly inspiring. We learned many good practices to transfer to our educational environment and contribute to better inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable groups in our community. Intercultural dialogue, green practices, digital skills and creativity are crucial elements that will enrich our work in the future. The Berlin spirit of cooperation and connection will resonate in our work for a long time as we return full of new knowledge, experience and, above all, new friendships that will connect us for a long time.