On Thursday 30 April, Shiplake College had the privilege of welcoming Lejla Delic to speak with our scholars and students in what proved to be a profoundly moving and thought-provoking session.
In our latest Scholars' Masterclass, Lejla delivered an informative, powerful, and deeply important talk centred on the Bosnian War, with particular focus on the Srebrenica genocide - one of the darkest chapters in recent European history. Drawing on her own family’s experience, she shared the story of her father, who survived the atrocities that unfolded in 1995. Through her personal perspective, students were able to engage with history not as a distant series of events, but as something lived and endured by real people. Importantly, Lejla also reflected on how the events of Srebrenica are remembered today. She spoke about ongoing efforts to commemorate the victims, the importance of preserving historical truth, and the responsibility of future generations to ensure that such atrocities are neither forgotten nor repeated. Her insights offered a valuable perspective on the long-term emotional consequences of conflict, as well as the resilience required to rebuild lives in its aftermath.
Despite the sombre nature of the topic, her talk also carried a powerful message of hope. She highlighted the strength, courage, and defiance of survivors who continue to honour those lost while striving for a better future. This message resonated strongly with our students, encouraging reflection not only on the past, but also on the values of empathy, understanding, and global awareness.
We are extremely grateful to Lejla for speaking so openly and personally with our students. Her visit provided a rare and meaningful opportunity to deepen understanding of one of the most significant and tragic events in modern European history. The session left a lasting impression on all who attended, and we hope it will inspire our students to continue engaging thoughtfully with the complexities of history and the importance of remembrance.
