The Bosnian children's visit
(1st - 14th September, 1997)

Inspite of the numerous bureaucratic difficulties connected to the organization of a project to offer family hospitality, in 1997, as in 1996, we repeated the visit of 22 children, between 12 - 14 years old and 2 escorts, (from Lukavica, Bosnia) organized and co-ordinated by the Association Volo.Insieme, from San Mauro Pascoli. If in 1996, such an enterprise aroused such curiosity, in 1997 it turned out to be a real surprise. Accommodation was organized among as many families, opportunely and respectively chosen in the areas of San Mauro Pascoli, Roncofreddo and Cesena (the towns that joined in with this initiative). It was a real cultural inter-ethnic exchange between the youngsters and the families: the different customs, the language and a little initial shyness, soon gave way to the family atmosphere which we had hoped for. It was an astonishing experience under every aspect, the difficulties in communicating certainly did not discourage the various families that made themselves available for a successful result of the project. Unlike the past episode, we wanted to value the fact of being together and the sharing of various moments of the day and of the friendship cultivated within a small multiracial dimension. Moments of cultural formation were not lacking either: a trip to the Caves of Frasassi, a quick trip to Rimini, to the Malatesta Library in Cesena and the boat museum in Cesenatico, but above all, many moments of happiness past on the beach and with the families, dintinguished this brief visit. The school in Lukavica carried out an important part as mediator between the association's volunteers and the project: and in fact, because of their actions, sports equipment (from chronometers to volley and basket balls, from nets to gymnastic mattresses) also clothing for families in need, were donated. The friendship which arose from this brief stay was gratifying and at the same time educational, for both the youngsters and the families: it undoubtedly helped to consolidate the relationship of collaboration and to lay down a solid base on which to build a future twinship between the towns of Lukavica and San Mauro Pascoli. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and goodbye till next year.