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 Project Overview | Mission Statement | Project History | Summer 2006
Compassionate Listening
Eko-Centar Latinovac - Project History
 Established in 1995, Eco Centre Latinovac, (the legal successor of Eco Village Latinovac), has hosted many educational programs, cooperative projects, workshops, trainings, and volunteer initiatives in the areas of mediation and conflict resolution, environmental awareness, and the preservation and promotion of cultural traditions and heritage. The primary project of Eco Centre Latinovac is "Seedlings of Peace", or "Peace Camp". This summer camp invites youth from former Yugoslavia who experienced the war from different sides together for workshops, trainings, projects and activities that build awareness, trust, and communication skills. The headquarters of Eco Centre Latinovac is in the village of Latinovac within the Pozega valley.
Under the backdrop of a new Croatian Government and the re-integration of the Vukovar region into Croatia, Eco Centre Latinovac began offering programs designed to bring both Croatian and Serbian youth living in Vukovar together for workshops and educational trainings. This was a very difficult time to attempt these programs given the fear and violence that had engulfed Vukovar during the war. Never the less in April of 1998 the first workshop entitled "What can I do to feel better" was offered and had a huge impact on those attending. This led to a five-day workshop in Latinovac in July 1998 to teach computer science and internet related skills. This program was very well received by the youth who experienced the war on both sides. It was valuable in their daily lives, a subject they had a strong interest in and motivation for, and provided a good backdrop for interaction and co-operation. This success and the bonds that grew between the youth participating led to the "I-Club", an ongoing class/club that ran from September 1998 - June 1999 in Vukovar. This activity served to solidify relationships developed during previous workshops and gave continuing access to and knowledge of computers and web technology. It also served to empower several youth to become involved in other NGO's in Vukovar. 1998 also included a summer camp program lasting one week with a Waldorf School class that came to Latinovac to help prepare the facility for the Peace camps that would follow.
The first official Peace Camps in 1999 and 2000 took place in Vukovar, and were a remarkable experience and success. These camps introduced and included youth from Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia, from all three ethnic and religious backgrounds. Some of the service activities in the Vukovar community included reclaiming a city park, planting trees, and cleaning streets and beaches from neglect and the destruction of war. It was very empowering to everyone involved and offered the people of Vukovar an example of youth from both sides of the conflict working together to create community. The Peace Camps have continued in Latinovac in 2001 and 2002, with excursions to Vukovar for activities and workshops. The peaceful and beautiful setting of Latinovac provides a very important atmosphere for the youth participating. The tensions and stress of daily life in war torn surroundings are lifted, making room for emotional release and expression, and create a relaxed backdrop for the activities and skills learned at camp. The Peace Camp program in Latinovac has created an environment and provided skills and guidance for mutual understanding between youth from different cultural and religious backgrounds who experienced the war from different sides.
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