Serbian students launch nationwide book fair for charity, combatting reading stereotypes

In a remarkable display of youth initiative and civic engagement, Serbia is hosting the "Books, Brothers, Books" humanitarian book fair, a project conceived and executed by high school students. This event, which opened yesterday in Belgrade's Čumićev sokače and is set to span 16 cities, is more than just a book sale; it's a powerful statement about the values of culture, humanity, and solidarity.

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We truly love to read, and I think that reflects society beautifully and cancels out the stereotype about young people not reading.

The students, from 14 Belgrade high schools, have rallied over 20 exhibitors, demonstrating impressive organizational skills and a shared vision. Their motivation is clear: to counter the pervasive stereotype that young people are disengaged from reading. As Mateja Načić, president of the student parliament at Belgrade's 14th Gymnasium, stated, "We truly love to read, and I think that reflects society beautifully and cancels out the stereotype about young people not reading." This sentiment is echoed by students like Stefan Jovanović from Novi Sad, who emphasized the importance of reading in an era dominated by digital media and shrinking vocabularies.

Beyond promoting literacy, the fair carries a significant humanitarian mission. All proceeds from ticket sales and SMS donations will go to Nurdor, the National Association of Parents of Children with Cancer. This dual focus on culture and compassion is what makes the project particularly meaningful. The students chose the slogan "Books, Brothers, Books," a quote from the revered Serbian Enlightenment figure Dositej Obradović, underscoring their belief in books as a cornerstone of society and education.

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Books, Brothers, Books

While international coverage might focus on the logistical aspects of such a large-scale student-led event, the Serbian perspective highlights the profound cultural and social impact. This initiative is a source of national pride, showcasing the potential of young Serbs to lead meaningful projects that benefit their communities and uphold important cultural values. It’s a testament to a generation actively shaping a more literate and compassionate future for Serbia, proving that youth can indeed be powerful agents of positive change.

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We want to raise awareness about reading and how important it is to enrich our vocabulary, as it is crucial for both our formal and informal education.