Meet a Changemaker (10)

Tuesday, 13 January 2009 | posted by Matt_BC
Activism, Guildford 2009

Meet a Changemaker

Hi guys, my name is Aleksandar Arandjelovic and I come from Serbia, small, developing country in Central Balkan. I’m 18 years old and finishing my final year at high school in Kladovo.
I started my activism 4 years ago and back then I was just a young, confused boy with itchy feet and a great wish to do something, to change something. For guidance and support I have to thank my history professor who lighted the spark in me and show me how to express my ideas and qualities. I’ve become a member of debate team and next year my team and my school won a second place in regional competition. Meantime I passed training for young activists and leaders organized by an NGO and learned how to change things in local community, be active, take responsibility for other young people here, to make sure their voice is heard and I did some projects like opening a consultancy for young people and office which will be opened for ideas and propositions of theirs. I also ran a campaign which had a goal to raise awareness of how important it is to vote . . .



I really enjoy being an activist. It is really important for an activist to have a dream, a vision of something he wants to fight for. I have that dream, and even when sometimes I bite more than I can eat I continue to fight till the last moment.  I just keep pushing, because I want to do something, to help making the world a better place for living. I really enjoy meeting new people and it is also very important thing when you are an activist. Having friends to support you and help you during your fight. I really try hard to stay in contact with everyone.

Something I really enjoyed doing was an initiative to tidy and readjust an old Turkish fortress and get it done for a big manifestation - Ethno Festival of Eastern Serbia which had a goal to promote my city as a tourist destination. I was also a part of the team who organized this festival and was very proud when everything ended up well.
I’m a recent member of EYP Serbia (European Youth Parliament) and I was chosen to be a delegate on next international gathering. I hope to do some great stuff there as I really like whole idea and people who stand behind it.



In my free time I enjoy reading books, watching TV shows, hanging out with friends . . .          I must admit I really like partying, dancing in clubs and pubs all night long and this is something most people can’t understand, being a good student, being an activist and still have time to party at the evenings. That’s just a part of my free Serbian spirit and I’m really proud of it . . .  The truth is I’m often very short with time as I’m not well organized but still stick to my duties . . .
Right now I’m really confused when it comes to my future but I hope to get some answers in Guildford and hope you all are going to help me . . . But I’m sure of something – I’ll continue to believe in myself, in people, in change . . . I’ll be persistent in my way and in following my dream, cause I have this dream and want to share it with you . . .
Can’t wait to see you all . . .



Last but not least I would like to say something about Serbian spirit. If you want to experience Serbia you can not just come as a tourist. You have to have a Serbian host to guide you and show you the real fun, the real atmosphere, the real wonders, what it means to be “the son of this nation”. People here are opened, bighearted and welcome foreign citizens better than their first neighbors . . .  We have a long tradition which stands on basis of Christianity and orthodoxy, but also there are other nations and religions and it’s what makes this country unique. Serbia, the land on crossroads. Serbia, the world in small.

And my favorite motto of course – Serbia, it’s about people ! ! !

From Serbia with love!
Aleksandar