Danijela Tomičić, professor of history and employee of the Institute of Education, together with the students of the High School of Fine Arts “Gabrijel Jurkić”, launched an inspiring local civic initiative called “On the Paths of the Ancestors”. This initiative, supported through the training program Learn, Think and Act! for the teaching and professional staff of secondary schools, of which Danijela is also a student, gathered young people to explore the rich cultural and natural heritage of Mostar and its surroundings.
The main focus of the initiative was improving the mental health of students through physical activity, art therapy and workshops with a psychologist. With the support of the Croatian Mountaineering Society Prenj 1933, Danijela’s idea combined research, learning and a strong connection with nature. At the center of the activity was the creation of a tangible work: a wooden panoramic frame decorated with carved symbols representing the cultural and natural heritage of Mostar. The students got acquainted with the surrounding existing trails and roads around the city of Mostar, Hum and Planinica hills, markings, hiking and safety rules. The workshops dealt with the topics of the importance of mental health and being in nature.
From conception to realization, the project developed with various activities that enabled creative collaboration. Students carefully made sketches of the panoramic frame and educational boards. Workshops at the “Gabrijel Jurkić” High School of Fine Arts, led by Professor Željko Koren, enabled students to learn about different techniques of working with wood, turning their artistic visions into tangible reality.
The initiative culminated in guided hiking trips along marked trails, around picturesque locations where students were tasked with finding the perfect spot for a panoramic frame. In addition to the fun and adventurous aspect, the trips were also an opportunity to think more deeply about the importance of movement for mental health.
In June, with the volunteer support of HPD Prenj members, the students installed a panoramic frame, educational boards and solar lighting in carefully selected places. The process involved logistical challenges such as digging holes, safely placing the frame and ensuring that every detail reflects Mostar’s cultural and natural heritage.
“Through the project, the students took part in hiking in the hills around Mostar, Hum and Planinica, which were organized by the hiking guides of HPD Prenj in 1933. During the trips realized in April and May, they had the opportunity to participate in psychologist workshops and be active interlocutors on the topic of multiple benefits for mental and psychological health by spending time in nature and physical activity, but they are also familiar with certain exercises and relaxation techniques. Through research and practical work, applying different work techniques from sketching, painting, engraving, modeling, they adopted and also applied certain knowledge during the project. In the end, they made a panoramic frame, singled out certain peculiarities of the natural and cultural heritage around Mostar and engraved them on educational boards. This product of the students of the art school remains as a kind of trace for the city of Mostar, its citizens, but also for all visitors to the city on the Neretva,” said Danijela Tomičić, who proudly looks at the achievements of this initiative.
The initiative was implemented in partnership with the Croatian Mountaineering Society Prenj 1933, with mentoring and financial support from the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
Source: mladi.org
