Project Overview | Mission Statement | Project History | Summer 2006
Compassionate Listening

To support our growth into the future, summer of 2006 will be dedicated to renovating our infrastructure to create an environment capable of supporting the reconciliation work we are engaged in, increasing Eko Centar Latinovac's capacity for being of service in this post-war region of the Balkans.

It has become clear that the Seedlings of Peace Summer Camp, and the other projects connected with Eko Centar Latinovac (ECL), needs to renovate, improve, and add to its infrastructure to be effective in its mission to serve as bridge builders between youth and communities in the region of former Yugoslavia.

We have up to now been working in very difficult circumstances; with minimal options for adverse weather or for the number of people the projects are growing to support. In summer months we are operating mainly outdoors, with exposed dining and kitchen areas, and many people sleeping in tents. The inevitable rain, wind, and heat create many difficulties in functioning. Much of our preparation and operating time is consumed with staying dry or dealing with problems around electricity, plumbing, enough toilets and sleeping or meeting areas, and other fundamentals, thus greatly inhibiting our focus on the mission of education and reconciliation. The staff and leadership have agreed we need to create an environment that will support our growth into the future, allowing projects through out the entire year including harsh winter seasons, increasing Eko Centar Latinovac's capacity for being of service in the region.

Rebuilding Time Workshop Description
The renovations will be led by at least one skilled craftsman and one assistant, to over see and lead small groups of volunteers. We will have many phases of renovation, and will invite volunteers to participate in numbers corresponding to the needs of the particular phase of work we are engaged in. Volunteers will come from the three main ethnicities in the region, as well as Western Europe, America, and other regions.

Additional Activities include:

• One and two day workshops in Non-violent Communtication, Compassionate Listening, and Meditation.
• Growing and caring for a garden to produce much of our food
• Daily language building skills
• day hikes and excursions to local lakes and historical sites
• baking bread in traditional outdoor ovens
• morning meditation
• assorted sports and games
• evening fires for socializing
• circle dancing
• talent shows