This year, the ABC Project embarked on a meaningful journey to Mostar. Upon arrival, students immersed themselves in the city’s academic and historical landscape, visiting both the University “Džemal Bijedić” and the University of Mostar (Sveučilište u Mostaru). There, they engaged in thoughtful exchanges with professors and local students. The group then stopped by a local library adorned with vivid street art and walked across the former dividing line of the city—a powerful reminder of its turbulent history. Later, Inga Kotlo, a Senior Teaching Assistant at Džemal Bijedić University, offered a warm welcome and shared the Mostarian hospitality through traditional sweets, stories, and a garden full of warmth. In the evening, the students explored the Museum of Mostar and attended an intimate concert by a musician, who performed songs from across the Balkans, highlighting the country’s and the region’s multicultural spirit.

Over the weekend, dialogue and reflection remained at the heart of the experience. Students explored the city through a guided tour, joined workshops focused on peace education and activism, and engaged in meaningful conversations with local youth on topics such as ethics, reconciliation, and the future of ABC initiatives. A particularly powerful moment was attending a theatrical performance in a former synagogue—now a puppet theater—that conveyed Mostar’s complex identity through art. A post-show discussion with one of the actors offered valuable perspectives on how theater can promote healing and connection. The journey concluded with a panel featuring local artists and psychologists who use creative expression to cultivate peace and strengthen community bonds in Mostar. This visit not only deepened the students’ appreciation for the city’s historical and cultural depth but also underscored the transformative role of dialogue in overcoming divisions and fostering a more inclusive future.