The charity Beyond Srebrenica held a special commemorative event on May 28th, at the historic Trades Hall in Glasgow. This included awarding prizes to the winners of this year’s national competition, the theme of which was ‘justice’. 

In the Senior Phase category, RGC pupils Amelie R, Olivia S and Oran M were awarded prizes, with Olivia and Oran being the overall joint national winners. The event opened with Oran playing the piano, and the pupils had the chance to meet the other guests and speakers throughout the evening. 

The charity marked its 10th anniversary with speeches and tributes from the current chair Sabina Mackenzie-Kadic, founding chair Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood OBE and former chair Julie Adair. Closing remarks were given by Almira Delibegović-Broome KC, the Honorary Consul of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Scotland, who was previously guest speaker at the RGC Senior School prizegiving. 

Amelie commented: "Writing for this essay competition was an incredible experience. I was unaware of the charity and its cause until then, and researching for my piece has opened my eyes to a problem that has been hidden from far too many for far too long. Beyond Srebrenica is a wonderful charity and deserves so much more support and publicity than it has. It was an honour to attend the event and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to hear from the speakers there. This event has definitely played a role in my decision to keep in touch with the charity in the future."

Olivia said: “It was a tremendous honour to win the Beyond Srebrenica National Competition this year. Last year, as a runner-up, I had the privilege of travelling to Bosnia with the charity during the 30th anniversary year of the Srebrenica genocide. It was a profoundly moving experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life and has inspired me to remain actively involved with the charity and its vital work to promote tolerance and inclusion, while educating others about the devastating consequences of unchecked nationalism, division, and hatred.”

Oran added: “Although I am only new to the charity, I am incredibly glad to have discovered ‘Beyond Srebrenica’ and taken part in its essay competition. They support such an important cause and I certainly hope to remain involved with them in the future.”

Mrs Stewart, Executive Assistant, accompanied the pupils and highlighted: “Attending the commemorative event hosted by Beyond Srebrenica at the historic Trades Hall of Glasgow was a moving experience. It was inspiring to see the pupils’ thoughtful engagement with this year’s theme of ‘justice’, and to witness the pride and achievement of our prize winners. The opportunity for the pupils to meet speakers and guests throughout the evening made it a memorable and meaningful occasion that highlighted the importance of learning, reflection, and dialogue."