2020 marks the 10th anniversary of GAIA Kosovo and besides celebrating, we want to use this as an opportunity to reflect on topics that we hold dear. After ten years of activities and brainstorming on climate change, non-formal education, peacebuilding, friendship, volunteering, or activism, we decided it was time to gather testimonies, stories, experiences from friends from the Balkans and beyond.  But what would be the best way to share all this knowledge? The format of podcasts came as evidence to us as the easiest and most attractive way to reach friends here and there. It was also an interesting challenge to take up since none of us was familiar with making podcasts. So, we asked professionals, friends, made some research, and in the snap that was it: We became “experts” on making podcasts, even discovering a few tips from professionals (for instance, recording under a blanket helps remove noise and sounds around). We decided the best way of doing these podcasts would be to interview our guests in the most natural way possible, meaning as if we are having a conversation. Besides learning many things, we also reconnected with long-time friends that we cannot visit so easily, especially in these times of pandemic. More than ever, it is crucial to maintain contact and learn from one another. From discovering volunteering in the Balkans during the 90s to understanding Climate Change in the region, from solidarity to peacebuilding, we hope you will like these podcasts and find in them some interesting knowledge that will make you think and reflect. We are sharing podcasts every Monday since the 19th of October. 10 podcasts are scheduled, for now, more to come maybe!

You can listen to the podcast on:

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-860266959-363973122

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yqhzvWxgkLnjHqSOfXWts

Wilbert was the first guest of our Reflection podcasts series. He started volunteering in the Balkans during the 90s and has been involved in Service Civil International for many years now. Design: Izabela Markova. 2020.

Goran discussed with us the concept of Peacebuilding and reconciliation in the Balkans. He co-founded the volunteer project Pakras and the Center for Peace Studies in Zagreb. Design: Izabela Markova. 2020.

Jovana is a  social justice activist, youth trainer, and lecturer in the fields of human rights and political communication. She shared with us her long experience working in the field of Solidarity. Design: Izabela Markova. 2020.

Viktor shared his long experience working in the field of climate change and energy issues in the Balkans. Viktor is currently working at Climate Action Network (CAN) – Europe as the Energy and Climate Policy Coordinator for South East Europe. Design: Izabela Markova. 2020.