Religious and Cultural diversity
We always hear a lot of news about religious and cultural differences in the whole world and also in Europe. Nowadays, migration, war conflicts and the situation in the Middle East is one of the most important challenges which we have to face in common level. In individual level, the hardest thing is dare all of our preconceived ideas. Through the Youth Exchange program, I did.
In my story there are two adorable girls, their name are Adna and Ema. They were my Bosnian and Albanian roommates. Before the program I was afraid of sharing my room with girls from different countries. I had a lot of fears and doubts with this situation. But in the first day I knew that I really like them. We have several common, unforgettable experiences which mean a lot to me.
It is always a challenge to speak in other language about our life, our personal story, culture, friends, homeland, family etc. Not just a language barrier but also the cultural differences make the situation more difficult. One night, we just started to talk. The girls told that they are Muslims. I did not know that. I asked several questions about that. They told how they go through the Ramadan, which are the most difficult life situations during Lent, what are the customs in those days, how they practice their religion. They do not wear headscarves; love their families, respect each other, have boyfriends, go to parties and have almost the same life than us. They have commitment and customs which are respected but they live in the same way.
When we were in Turkey, in Europe was a Santa Claus evening, 5th of December. I got a little chocolate Santa from my Hungarian friend. Adna loved this custom but I knew that Muslims do not celebrate Santa Claus evening. The Hungarian team decided to surprise her and gave a sweet little Santa. It was such a touching moment, she was so happy.
I realized that it does absolutely no matter which is our religion, culture or country. There is only one thing does matter, our values. Every religion has own teachings, every culture has own nature but all the people have to accept the otherness. The cultural and religious diversity is a really essential thing. We should preserve our heritage, respect other nations and their traditions and maintain cultural diversity. It leads to understand the world, other people, other cultures and teach accept each other.
For me, there was the message of Youth Exchange Program. To the end, one good advice ; always be open-minded.