At Ritsumeikan Uji High School, the Global Challenge Program (GCP) is implemented with support from the Educational Support Association. Through this program, students participate in initiatives designed by teachers and partner organizations, gaining hands-on experiences around the world while deepening their learning based on their own interests and questions.

In mid-March, a school-wide report session was held, where students shared what they learned from their overseas experiences. This article highlights the group that participated in the study tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

■ Overview of the Bosnia Program

This year’s program in Bosnia and Herzegovina was conducted with the support of World LIT, under the theme of “Facing Bosnia’s history and exploring paths toward coexistence.” The on-site training took place from July 26 to August 5, 2025.

■ Pre-departure Learning

Approximately two months before departure, students participated in six online sessions, followed by a three-day in-person program at Ritsumeikan University’s Osaka Ibaraki Campus.

For many participants, this was their first time learning about Bosnia. They studied its basic information and history, while also deepening their understanding through talks by people connected to the region.

During the in-person sessions, students had the opportunity to hear from international journalist Mr. Senda and Mr. Morita, who founded a soccer team promoting ethnic reconciliation.

Students also took the initiative in preparing for a cultural exchange event with local people studying Japanese.

■ Field Study

The program was conducted mainly in two cities: Sarajevo and Mostar.

● Learning in Sarajevo

In Sarajevo, students visited museums that convey the history of conflict. At the War Childhood Museum, they participated in workshops on peacebuilding and reflected deeply on what is necessary for coexistence.

They also visited the United Nations Sarajevo office to learn about efforts toward ethnic reconciliation. Through testimonies from those who experienced the conflict, students came to understand that “truth can differ depending on perspective” and the importance of maintaining hope even in difficult circumstances.

The cultural exchange with local Japanese learners, which students had prepared in advance, also took place, fostering warm connections beyond language and cultural differences.

● Learning in Mostar

In Mostar, students visited the World Heritage site Stari Most, as well as the soccer club “Mali Most” and local sports associations. They explored the role of sports in promoting ethnic reconciliation and gained insight into real-world practices.

● Final Reflection

At the conclusion of the program, students presented on the theme: “What can we do to live together with people who are different from us?”

They shared key insights in their own words, including:

• • The importance of trying to understand others
• • Respecting different perspectives
• • Finding common ground

■ Activities at the School Festival

To share their learning with a wider audience, students organized an exhibition and sales project during the school festival. This included displays of videos, photos, posters, and distribution of leaflets, as well as the sale of items purchased locally.

The project received strong interest from visitors and provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect their learning to society.

The proceeds of 30,000 yen were donated to the Japanese NPO Little Bridge Japan, which supports the soccer club “Mali Most” that hosted the students.

■ Conclusion

Through this program, students deepened their understanding of cultural diversity and coexistence, while also gaining experience in sharing their learning with others.

It is hoped that these experiences will continue to shape their future studies and personal growth.