Highlights of DYON Boot Camp 2025
Join DYONPart 1. Sarajevo
The Multicultural Identity of the City
Sarajevo was the first location for the DYON Boot Camp – a city where cultures, religions, and histories are uniquely intertwined. Here, the synagogue, mosque, Catholic cathedral, and Orthodox church stand just a few steps from each other – a symbol of the peaceful coexistence that has characterized Sarajevo for centuries.
Our first joint get-together took place at one of the city’s most legendary spots: the old Yellow Fortress, a popular local meeting point with a spectacular view over the rooftops of Sarajevo. There, we enjoyed a traditional dinner – the so-called Bosnian pizza with dried beef and homemade sour cream from the well-known historical bakery Kod Mahira, and for the vegetarians, traditional filled phyllo pastry, called Pita. As the sun set behind the mountains, the calls of the muezzins and the chime of church bells merged into a soundscape that made the city’s multicultural spirit palpable.
The following day was entirely dedicated to Sarajevo’s history and diversity. The tour symbolically began at the old Jewish cemetery, a place of deep remembrance and quiet beauty. There, we were welcomed by Dr. Eli Tauber, founder and president of the NGO Haggadah Sarajevo – Association for Preserving and Promoting Jewish Culture and Tradition.
He guided the participants to the grave of the scholar Zeki Efendi, whose grave inscription is written in three languages– Bosnian, Hebrew, and Arabic. Dr. Tauber spoke about the arrival of the Sephardic Jews over 500 years ago, their welcome in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the deep friendship that has developed between Jews and Muslims ever since – a bond that is still alive today and can serve as a role model for the world.
This encounter left a deep impression and was the emotional start to a journey that connected history, remembrance, and the future. Afterwards, the participants explored Sarajevo’s historical quarters, its Ottoman alleys, Habsburg boulevards, and the lively mix of East and West that gives the city its unmistakable character.
Part 2. Srebrenica
Film and Sustainability –
Culture of Remembrance in Srebrenica
The next stop on our DYON journey led us to Srebrenica, a place deeply etched into Europe’s collective memory. We were invited by the Italian-Bosnian director Ado Hasanović, who is originally from Srebrenica and founded the international Silver Frame Film Festival. Hasanović deliberately chose his place of origin as the stage: The festival takes place at the EMMAUS Youth Camp – a location where young people from all over the world gather every year to support the Mothers of Srebrenica and continue to build up the camp together.
The Silver Frame Film Festival unites art, education, and social responsibility. In addition to film screenings, inspiring workshops are held there, in which our DYON participants were also actively involved. Award-winning films from Venice, Berlin, the Sundance Film Festival – right up to Oscar-winning productions – are shown. This creates a unique space where young people experience film not only as an art form but also as a tool for change.
A special task awaited us here: As the Green Vision Jury, twenty of our young changemakers from six Danube countries participated in the Silver Frame Film Festival 2025. Together with the German artist and filmmaker Juliane Ebner and in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut Bosnia and Herzegovina, we presented the Green Short Movie Award. A big thank you goes to Simone Voigt, Director of the Goethe-Institut Sarajevo, for her valuable support and guidance of this special project.
🏆 The winning film was “Lynx” by the Bulgarian director Stefan Voyvodov – an impressive cinematic reflection on the fragile balance between humans and nature.
The prize money and the award were subsequently personally handed over to the winner in Bulgaria by our Bulgarian DYON participants – a wonderful example of cross-border connection and sustainable cooperation.
Get Together on the Drina – An Evening Full of Warmth and Future Plans
As a grand finale, Ado Hasanović organized a cozy get-together in a traditional Bosnian restaurant right on the bank of the Drina River.
In this peaceful setting, the participants learned how to prepare traditional Bosnian Pita – with lots of laughter, fragrant dough, and shared efforts.
During the subsequent meal, an atmosphere of community and gratitude emerged. Conversations about the future, ideas, and new collaborations filled the evening – and so, amidst the rain and the rushing river, the first plans for the year 2026were already forged.
Part 3. Boračko Lake
Teambuilding in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Nature and Community at Boračko Lake
In the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the Neretva River combines the coolness of the mountains with the warmth of human encounters, the last section of our DYON Boot Camp began – the Teambuilding at Boračko Lake. Nestled in the wild, untouched nature of the Dinaric Alps, this experience not only strengthened our team spirit but also our awareness of peace, friendship, and sustainability.
Together with Muamer Klino, President of the International Police Association Sarajevo, we discussed visions of a shared future in peace.
Muamer shared his own life story with us – moving and honest. As one of the youngest soldiers in the Balkan War, only 15 years old at the time, he reported on his experiences and why war must never be an option. His words left us silent. He spoke about the power of dialogue, the responsibility of young generations – and why it is always worthwhile to fight for peace and build bridges, even if the path is often difficult.
A jump into the Neretva – a dive into a shared future of peace.
The Neretva is one of the last living rivers in Europe. Its name comes from the Celtic: Nera Etwa – “the divine that flows.” We immersed ourselves in this divine water, and with it, the feeling of being part of something bigger. The teambuilding was more than just rafting, hiking, and laughing – it was a beginning, a new departure.
After a hearty meal of traditional Bosnian home-style food in a mountain hut in the legendary village of Umoljani, we continued our journey – up into the mountains. Accompanied by our coordinator Faruk Osmanović, we set off in search of the petrified dragon of Umoljani.
According to legend, a huge dragon once lived in the valley, threatening to devour the villagers and their herds. In their desperation, the people prayed to God and asked for help – and so He turned the monster to stone. Its stony body still winds its way across the mountainside today, as a reminder of the victory of faith and peace over destruction.
The ascent to the summit of Crveni Kuk became the highlight of the day – physically demanding, yet filled with joy, laughter, and mutual support. Our accommodation, a villa right by the lake, offered both tranquility and community in the evening: Walks in the evening light, swimming in the lake, or relaxing by the pool – everyone found their own moment of silence.
Young People Shape Peace and Cooperation in the Danube Region
On the last evening, we felt like a big family. At a barbecue with music and many conversations, we looked back on a week that was more than a program – it was an experience of togetherness.
The farewell was emotional, but the DYON Boot Camp 2025 has shown: In just seven days, young people from six countries took the first step towards a more peaceful future – regardless of origin, ethnicity, or religion.
