What Did They Whisper On Their Way To The Unknown? (2023)

What is a miracle? 8100 homes become schools when the knowledge and the education of so many generations are at risk. That’s a miracle.

The first school that started teaching in school-houses was the “Xhevdet Doda” Gymnasium in Pristina, which started teaching on January 6, 1992. The “Xhevdet Doda” gymnasium was built at the beginning of the 20th century and served as a prison in the period between the two world wars. It housed various schools until it finally became the home of the “Xhevdet Doda” high school until 2007. Located in the heart of the city, during the 1990s, it was the only secondary school in the Albanian language that the Milosevic regime had allowed to remain on its premises. This was a propaganda maneuver by the regime claiming that the Albanians were leading normal lives.

“What did they whisper, on their way to the unknown?” is an installation that captures this quiet yet powerful rebellion. Suspended from the ceiling, it symbolizes the unyielding spirit of the youth who, despite the barriers, refused to let their thirst for knowledge be extinguished.

“Their feet never touched the ground”, yet their resolve was firmly rooted in their hearts and minds. Across Kosovo, in 8,100 school-houses, civilians opened their homes, shops, and basements to ensure education continued. These improvised classrooms became sanctuaries of learning and resilience. Civilians transformed their private spaces into public havens of knowledge, defying the regime’s attempt to stifle the future of an entire generation. These school-houses, born out of necessity and courage, are testament to the unwavering determination of a generation.

They walked through the shadows of oppression, along unknown roads, to keep the light of education alive. Their whispers were not just of despair, but of dreams and aspirations, of a future where knowledge could be freely sought and shared. This story, preserved in the delicate yet defiant nature of the installation, is a vital thread in the tapestry of Kosovo’s history. It is crucial that we tell these stories to future generations, to ensure that the sacrifices made are never forgotten. The resilience of these young people is a beacon of hope and an enduring reminder of the power of education and the human spirit.

As we look upon this installation, let us remember the whispers of those who walked through the unknown. Let us honor their journey by continuing to tell their story, by ensuring that the right to education is never again taken for granted, and by inspiring future generations to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity. This is not just a story of the past; it is a lesson for the future, a call to preserve the dignity and rights of every human being, and a reminder of the unyielding power of hope.