Spark develops education and entrepreneurship so that young and ambitious people are empowered to lead their post-conflict society into prosperity. We build the capacity of local economic and educational institutions so they can empower their own populations. The organisation actively mobilises support for this within Dutch Society, especially with economic and educational institutions.
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Winning photo from Mitrovica Winter University competition
The recently held Mitrovica Winter University was not solely
focused on academic discourse and theoretical knowledge; it also promoted
artistic expression among the students.
The photo competition, organized by
SPARK, encouraged students to share their best photos on the theme of ‘use of
urban spaces'. Each participant could submit three pictures which were evaluated
by an independent jury. After careful consideration it was decided that Italian
student Jessica Cassans' picture, taken inside a refugee camp in Mitrovica, was
the jury's favorite.
‘The picture I chose for the photo contest was just one of
many shots I took when in the refugee camp' Jessica explains. ‘Sincerely
talking, that was just a random picture of many I had from the town. I just
liked it the most, for its color and image. It wasn't saying too much, but a
lot in the same time. It was some kind of "silent" but talkative
picture, portraying a person carrying a lot of information. When I took the
picture I was on my way to the first floor of the building. Looking around and
shooting here and there to details I didn't want to let go. The black and white
was just something "mine".'
The connection with the use of urban space might not be
immediately clear but Jessica explains her thoughts regarding the relationship
between the picture and the theme of the competition.
‘I know that the photo contest was about "living urban
spaces" and because of that I was a little bit thoughtful at first sending
it or not. Then I just thought it was in some way a living the urban spaces
matter, just an inner space, but urban at the same. So I sent it. It will be an
always flowing image towards the wish of improvement of a lovely society who
deserves it.'
Click here for more information about the first ever Mitrovica Winter University, held between
23 January and 5 February 2010.
