Results of the Literary Competition “What Does Togetherness in Diversity Mean to Me?”
Human Rights Action (HRA) announces the results of the literary competition for students from the 6th to the 9th grade of primary schools in Montenegro on the topic: “What Does Togetherness in Diversity Mean to Me?”
A total of 236 wonderful children’s entries were submitted from 20 Montenegrin towns and cities.
The children demonstrated a high level of maturity and a strong interest in speaking about interpersonal relationships. They expressed the courage to be themselves, and the belief that differences should not merely be tolerated, but respected and appreciated. The stories and poems submitted to the competition speak volumes about children’s understanding of togetherness in our families, schools, sports clubs, and country.
HRA will reward all participants in this competition with a book, as they have earned it through their work.
Given the large number of very high-quality submissions and the very small differences among the top-rated entries, we decided to award a greater number of authors.
Petar Ulama – Primary School “Kekec”, Sutomore (Bar), 7th grade
JURY EXPLANATION
FIRST PRIZE
Zilha Dizdarević’s literary work stands out for its moving sincerity, creativity, and mature symbolism. Two clocks in a house become a brutal metaphor for family relationships: delays in feelings, words, embraces, and apologies. Zilha speaks candidly about the painful coming of age of a child in a family fractured by entrenched religious divisions. Yet even in her parents’ deeply burdened relationship, she finds a glimmer of love that does not give up. The story reveals exceptional literary talent, deep emotionality, and the rare courage of a young person ready to speak openly about what troubles her in our society.
Ksenija Janković’s story is marked by vividness, astonishing maturity of thought, and deep empathy in its reflection on the theme of togetherness in diversity. Through a gentle yet powerful expression, Ksenija shows the courage of a person prepared to experience life with self-awareness and an open heart. She reminds us that true togetherness arises when we accept one another regardless of whose children we are or where we come from. This story is a powerful call for understanding, respect, and togetherness — a voice that restores hope that young people can build a more humane and just world.
SECOND PRIZE
Sofija Rakočević weaves a story distinguished by warmth and authenticity, one that speaks of the beauty of growing up as a child from a mixed marriage, growing up between two cultures. Through a personal confession, Sofija shows that diversity is not an obstacle, but an advantage that enriches one’s view of the world — through language, customs, and ways of thinking. In her story, even a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law love each other — a Montenegrin woman and a Filipina. Sofija reveals the secret recipe: genuine togetherness is possible when we are proudly ourselves, while at the same time open to understanding and respecting others.
Martin Janković brings a powerful message from the world of sport: true togetherness arises when we learn to support one another. Through the story of a young water polo player, the sporting spirit, team solidarity, and the process of maturing through which a young person comes to understand the value of respect and belonging are authentically portrayed. Martin’s literary work enriches the reader through its creativity, encourages openness to new people and experiences, and offers a fascinatingly mature awareness of the power of togetherness.
THIRD PRIZE
Petra Čepić’s story stood out for its strong emotionality and courage in speaking, from a child’s perspective, about prejudice against the Roma community. Writing about silence that hurts, but also about a girl who decided to accept another girl without imposed divisions, Petra shows how liberating it is to practice empathy and understanding. The intimate “history lesson” in her story grows into a life lesson about beauty without division. The conclusion that every human being has the right to have their dignity respected demonstrates an essential understanding of the fundamental idea of human rights.
Sara Rakonjac offers a wistful and touching story about Ana — an aunt who, as a seven-year-old girl, had the courage to face life’s hardships with a smile as a child with a disability. Through Ana’s personal struggle and growing up, the portrait emerges of a girl and a woman who, as Sara says, may be different, or perhaps not — but is certainly filled with love and kindness. It is precisely the poetics of that love and kindness that become the strength of this story about an exceptional person who inspires everyone around her.
Blanka Čukić’s literary work stands out for its originality, poetic and philosophical inspiration, and stylistically polished expression. The young author thinks deeply and radically about how society affects young people. She concludes that at times it seems to prepare them for division rather than for understanding. In Blanka’s story, the voices of difference do not cancel one another out, but endure side by side, like the разноoliko stones of the Lim River, connected by the same water of life, often restless and carrying everything along.
AWARD FOR THE BEST POETIC ENTRY
The poem by the young and very talented Dalibor Tošić stands out for its immediacy, the strength of sincere emotion, and its messages of love and humanity. Through carefully and simply shaped rhythm and rhyme, the young author creates a poetic expression in which the words of the stanzas settle in the ear and heart of the reader. It is precisely because of its deep emotional message and powerful poetic expression that Dalibor’s artistic work stands out from the others and leaves a memorable mark.
The awards will be presented next week, on 26 March in Podgorica.
We thank all the participants in the competition, as well as everyone who encouraged them to take part.
The children’s entries are an additional encouragement for HRA to continue advocating for a society without exclusion or any kind of discrimination, especially religious or national discrimination. The works show that children expect an environment in which everyone has the right to build their own identity, to have that identity accepted, and to feel safe and equal in that process. The young authors sincerely and correctly understand the essence of human rights as the protection of the dignity of every person. Adults have a duty to serve as an example and to ensure a society that truly respects human rights.
The competition was organized as part of the project “Living Together: Youth Reflects on Diversity and Belonging”, implemented by Human Rights Action with the financial support of the European Union and within the framework of the Reporting Diversity Network programme. The content of this announcement is the sole responsibility of Human Rights Action and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the Reporting Diversity Network programme.
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