Study visit to Novi Sad as a continuation of development and learning
Anđela Popović, Marta Borović, and Ena Božović, students of Kotor Gymnasium and winners of the debate competition on peer violence organised by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE), stayed in Novi Sad from 20 to 22 March as part of a study visit awarded as the prize for winning first place. During the three-day programme, they gained new knowledge, encountered different perspectives, and further deepened their understanding of social processes.
Their stay in Novi Sad gave them the opportunity to learn more about the work of institutions, important cultural and social initiatives, as well as examples of civic activism, with significant support provided by the partner organisation, the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (ADD).
As part of the programme, a meeting was organised with Saška Radujkov, a member of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, during which they discussed the work and functioning of the provincial parliament, parliamentary activities, and the European perspective of the region.
“The study trip to Novi Sad was a valuable experience for us, because through various visits and meetings we had the opportunity to see and learn many new things. Every place we visited opened up a different perspective for us and encouraged us to think about many topics more broadly and more deeply than before,” said Marta Borović.
In the cultural part of the programme, the students visited the Gallery of Matica Srpska, one of the most important cultural and artistic institutions in Serbia, where, through interactive guidance and elements of the social game K(Art)e, they became acquainted in a dynamic way with the most important works from the rich collection of this institution. This approach encouraged them to observe more actively and to develop a better understanding of artistic expression.
At the Museum of the City of Novi Sad, they visited the exhibition “Mileva: We Are a Rock”, dedicated to Mileva Marić איינstein, which brings her life and work closer through a contemporary and visually powerful concept. The combination of artistic installations and new technologies further enriched their experience and highlighted the intersection of science, art, and contemporary museology.
The programme also included a tour of Petrovaradin Fortress, one of the most recognisable symbols of Novi Sad.
“For me, the study trip to Novi Sad was an unforgettable experience. Through a carefully designed programme, we became familiar with the historical, cultural, and social context of the city, but also experienced this journey in a truly special and meaningful way. Although the visit was short, our days were filled with numerous activities and new experiences. It meant a great deal to us that the entire programme was so thoughtfully organised, which made us feel comfortable and safe. We are grateful for the opportunity to get to know the culture and history of Vojvodina better through this visit,” said Ena Božović.
An important segment of the visit was devoted to the culture of remembrance and civic responsibility. The students visited the Memorial to the Victims of the Raid at the Quay of the Victims of the Raid, and through a conversation with film director Aleksandar Reljić they further deepened their understanding of the importance of a responsible relationship towards the past. This part of the programme concluded with paying tribute to the victims who lost their lives in the collapse of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad, as well as learning more about the context of the student protests that followed this tragedy and raised important questions of responsibility, safety, and youth engagement.
“This study visit was particularly important for us because, through its various activities, we gained new knowledge and developed a better understanding of topics we had previously learned about. The direct encounters, visits, and conversations enabled us to look at certain social, cultural, and historical issues from several different angles,” said Anđela Popović.
The programme also included a visit to Kulturanova, one of the most active non-governmental organisations working in the fields of youth engagement and the arts. During the meeting with Jelena Božić, Programme Coordinator, the students learned more about the work of this organisation, as well as about the opportunities the civil sector offers to young people, especially through initiatives that encourage creativity, participation, and social responsibility.
The study visit was carried out as part of the project “SRCE: Supporting the Empowerment and Resilience of Young People Today”, which the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) is implementing in cooperation with ADD from Novi Sad, with financial support from the European Union and co-financing from the Ministry of Public Administration.
