Jovan is 41 years old. He is married and has a 7-year-old son. He completed the Christian Orthodox Faculty at the University of Belgrade and is currently working on a dissertation in theology. He teaches religious classes in two high schools and collaborates with an Orthodox radio station, as well as various magazines where he publishes his texts. He is the founder of the Biblical Cultural Center. He loves watching movies and reading fiction.
Serbia, as Jovan envisions it in the future, is a state governed by the rule of law, closely aligned with the European Union. ‘Frankly, I would like to see Serbia implement what we have been discussing for decades – a legal system, a state of law that would bring us closer to the European Union. We don’t necessarily have to become a member, but we should establish a system in which knowledge, hard work, skills, and abilities are valued more highly than the prevalent cowardice we often see today.’
However, Jovan is somewhat skeptical about a brighter future because, in his opinion, all those who have value may already be leaving the country. ‘I’m afraid that very few skilled and valuable young people will want to remain here. I believe that those who are apathetic and those who have reached their positions through certain means will stay.’
One of the positive aspects of Serbia is a strong interest in culture and a healthy approach to socializing. ‘There is still a strong interest in culture, at least among the younger generation. Additionally, there is, albeit partially, a healthy spirit in terms of social interactions. People are willing to spend time with one another, and meetings are not rigidly scheduled to end precisely at 5 o’clock. Instead, we have a more relaxed, informal camaraderie, which is a positive aspect. What I also find positive, especially when I observe some of my younger colleagues who are about to start academic studies, is the number of people eager to pursue higher education.’
Jovan is deeply concerned about the apathy of the young generation. ‘My primary concern is that a significant portion of the younger generation is entirely apathetic. They believe that in Serbia, securing a job is only possible through connections, and they think that their success won’t significantly contribute to their life progress, which may be both true and false. What’s even worse, and something everyone complains about, is the high level of corruption, political hopelessness, economic instability, and more. I think these issues are taking such a toll that people are starting to give up and ask, “What can I do?”‘
Jovan has merged his personal aspirations for culture and education with his religion. Through his writing for various magazines, his radio work, his religious sermons, and his utilization of knowledge and philosophy, he has the opportunity to impact the lives of others.
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