Firstly, when I saw the application announcement for this camp on Instagram, it seemed like a unique, creative, and unprecedented idea to me.
Although I am an economist by profession and do not have a background in anthropology, I was very curious and highly motivated to participate in this camp because I wanted to gain a unique new experience and challenge myself in areas outside my field, while also acquiring valuable knowledge and experiences about important cultural artifacts, whether personal, national, or historical.
I was extremely pleased when I figured it out that I was selected among the 13 most successful candidates from all over Kosovo.
I never expected that such a camp would provide such a unique experience, filled with interesting stories and executed in the best way to stimulate our creativity, while also finalizing the project by implementing ideas and creativity with existing resources.
The networking with the group and participants
Throughout the project, we had the opportunity to get to know other candidates and collaborate with them, especially those with whom we were grouped. The ideas we shared for the unique and authentic realization of the project were always very good, and often we laughed with tears at our creativity and the stories that emerged from our ideas.
Free activities
Moreover, the free activities were the cherry on top. We had the chance to enjoy music, dance, nature, movie night, walks, various games, and discussions on different entertaining and interesting life themes, societal issues, and even philosophical and psychological topics. We noticed how beautifully our thoughts, experiences, professions, and ideas intertwined, serving both artistically and ideologically for the camp.s
Conditions, environment and food
Regarding the conditions and environment of the camp, I commend and am grateful to the organizers who chose the most beautiful nature in Jezerc, with views full of nature and mountains, fresh air, and relaxing tranquility. The villas were very well-equipped, clean, luxurious with all amenities, and a beautiful interior full of comfort. The attention to our meals was commendable. The organizers proactively ensured if we had any health issues or special dietary needs and how they could accommodate any specific food requests. They provided ample, high-quality food with frequent meals, offering a variety of dishes and different snacks between meals.
The visit of the professor of the Department of Antropology, University of Prishtina
We had the pleasure of having well-informed, intellectually and professionally competent organizers. In fact, we had the great pleasure of having a distinguished professor from the Department of Anthropology at the Faculty of Philosophy, the University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prof. Arsim Canolli, visit us on one of the days to assist us with the project and evaluate it. In addition to evaluating the project, we had the opportunity to discuss various topics from an anthropological and historical perspective of the country.
The visit to Ulpiana Archaeological Park and to the Artana’s Fortress
The walks in the Ulpiana Archaeological Park and the Artana’s Fortress were unique experiences, making us feel as if we traveled back through centuries and millennia, as if we touched our ancestors and their vibrant lives. I cannot express the feeling I had when I touched their artistry from centuries ago.
Reflecting for the future
This is one of the most unique and best experiences I have had in my life, and I am very pleased to have lived it, because except the fact that it was focused on the implementation of the project, us participants all felt like this was a rare and one in lifetime unique peaceful and full entertaining holiday.
I have no words to express my gratitude, appreciation, and the wonderful time spent together with everyone at the camp.
This, for me personally, has clarified my mind and served as a starting point, an idea, a project, and even proof that together, in collaboration with one another, in a group, even in just a few days and limited space, we can achieve a lot and can still accomplish even more in the future. We can realize even more powerful projects together in the future.
An amazed participant,
Mirjeta Lahu