The Zenica School of Comics: A Creative Escape for KidsCEFR B1
28 Sept 2025
Adapted from Balkan Diskurs, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Miguel Alcântara, Unsplash
AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.
The Zenica School of Comics was founded to provide a creative escape for children during the Bosnian War. For over 30 years, it has served not only as an educational institution but also as a symbol of cultural resilience. The school trains about ten students annually, helping them express their emotions and experiences through comics. This initiative has produced many successful comic artists who are now recognized both locally and internationally.
Despite challenges in the comic industry, such as rising costs and limited accessibility, the art form continues to thrive. New artists collaborate with publishers outside Bosnia, showing that local talent is vibrant and capable. The enthusiasm for comics is evident in the growing number of festivals and workshops.
Today, some former students stress the importance of technology in comic creation while highlighting concerns about the impact of advancements like AI. The ongoing evolution of the comic scene in Bosnia shows great potential and a commitment to nurturing creativity among youth.
Difficult words
- comic — a story told in pictures and text.comics
- artist — a person who creates art.artists
- school — a place for learning or education.
- resilience — the ability to recover from difficulties.
- technology — tools and methods for creating things.
- creativity — the ability to make new ideas or things.
- initiative — a plan to improve a situation.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What impact do you think comics have on children during difficult times?
- How might technology change the future of comic creation?
- Why is it important for local artists to collaborate with publishers?
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