What possessed an American high school history teacher to go to Kosovo in July 2000, a year after the NATO air campaign ended? I spent years teaching the Holocaust and genocide, crafting lessons, grading papers and hoping I made an impact on my students. Finally, I decided to 'live' what I was teaching, to go to Kosovo, work with schools there and engage youth more actively in building a more positive world

After researching travel to Kosovo and making some friendships over e-mail, I walked from Macedonia across the border at Blace into Kosovo. This rural land was simply beautiful, nestled in the Balkan Mountains. Homes destroyed by the war were being rebuilt every- where. Children tended cows in the pastures, cautious of the dangers of land mines. Pristina was filled with charming people, who were quick to welcome and assist this American teacher. I learned I represented "America" in its entirety, and they let me know they were thankful we had "saved their lives."

I was invited by Kosovo's peacekeeping force (KFOR) to go to Camp Bondsteel and to patrol with U.S. peacekeepers. Accepting eagerly, I was assigned billet Echo-43, a flak vest and kevlar helmet. We visited Strpce, Vitina, Letnica, Gonda Stupa and Klokott. These soldiers were dedicated professionals who worked 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I came to Kosovo determined to have my students at Holmdel High School in New Jersey work with their counterparts in Kosovo, Albanian and Serbian. I knew that if there was to be peace in the future, the youth of today needed to understand each other.  With the help of US troops, I met with Kosovar school officials, explaining my idea of pairing my American students with Serbian and Albanian schools to gain insight and build tolerance. We'd write letters, exchange holiday celebrations, videotapes, photographs and collaborate on projects. KFOR would help by couriering my mail and packages to the schools when lulls in their mission allowed for it. Both schools directors agreed that this would benefit all of those involved. It was my hope that eventually, the Serbian and Albanian youth would become interested in each other. I knew my students at Holmdel High would be thrilled to work with their peers in Kosovo, who had had such a different life experience.

Once home, Global Connections became a reality. Student correspondence fostered curiosity and then friendships. My hopes were realized when I answered an inquiry about what the "other" school was doing. I replied that they were doing much the same thing, and why didn't this young man e-mail one of the "others" himself?  I suggested that they use English as the bridge across the gulf between them. Accepted, a tentative communication began bet- ween my Serbian and Albanian students.

As the second year of my project comes to a close, I am pleased with all that we have achieved. I also know much work is still needed. I want to strengthen the bonds that had been forged.

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