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Vukovar
In-Country Points of Learning
-Learned how war trauma still impacts daily life and infrastructure in Vukovar.
-Visited the Vukovar War Memorial and saw how remembrance is embedded into community identity.
-Observed the importance of collective memory in healing and how it shapes youth education.
Reflection Questions
1. How did visiting Vukovar change the way you understand long-term trauma and recovery?
-Visiting Vukovar helped me realize that trauma doesn’t end when a conflict is over—it's carried through generations, visible in both people and places. The bullet holes, memorials, and daily lives of residents showed me how deeply rooted and ongoing recovery truly is. It’s not just about rebuilding structures, but rebuilding trust, identity, and a sense of safety.
2. In what ways can social workers support a community still healing from war?
-Social workers can play a vital role by creating safe spaces for people to share their stories, offering trauma-informed care, and promoting community-based healing programs. They can also advocate for policies that address mental health, housing, education, and intergroup dialogue—supporting both individual recovery and collective resilience.
Vukovar is a city in eastern Croatia located along the Danube River, known for its tragic role in the Croatian War of Independence. Severely damaged during the 1991 siege, it now stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and remembrance. Bullet-scarred buildings, the Vukovar Hospital Memorial, and the city’s emphasis on peace education reflect its ongoing journey of recovery and healing.
