Danilo Kovač

Danilo Kovač, a history teacher from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a transformative educator dedicated to using history as a tool for reconciliation, critical reflection, and civic responsibility. Shaped by his experiences during the Balkan wars, he has focused on addressing unresolved historical traumas and fostering reconciliation in a divided society. His innovative teaching methods, coupled with extensive contributions to the field of education, have had a profound impact locally and internationally. 

Danilo’s academic journey reflects a determination to transform education. Supported by a Chevening Scholarship, he earned a master’s degree in history education from University College London and later completed a PhD in World War II history at Sapienza University of Rome. Apart from contributing to history itself, Danilo used impartial archival sources to develop teaching materials that emphasize individual moral responsibility, justice, and reconciliation—tools designed to empower students to critically engage with history and address societal issues. 

In the classroom, he employs creative, interdisciplinary approaches to teaching history, his projects seamlessly integrating arts and humanities to foster empathy and civic engagement. Notable examples include a theatrical performance inspired by the Edict of Milan, which encouraged discussions on religious tolerance, and a museum exhibition on female painters during World War I, which challenged gender stereotypes. Through these initiatives, Danilo’s students developed vital 21st-century skills including research, media literacy, and public speaking. Their work extended with bilingual exhibition websites and public presentations gaining widespread recognition. 

Danilo’s influence extends beyond his own teaching as a contributor to international education networks, sharing his methodologies with organizations like the European Association of History Educators. He has trained fellow educators in addressing sensitive topics, such as wartime violence, earning accolades from communities across Bosnia and neighbouring Serbia. His work has been recognized with awards, including the St. Sava Award and the Golden Badge of the Cultural Educational Community of Serbia. 

A passionate mentor, Danilo has guided nearly 180 students to pursue higher education abroad, including at top institutions like Harvard University. His leadership in fostering global citizenship is evident in his projects that promote cross-cultural collaboration. For example, he facilitated an interactive historical map that won an innovation award and engaged students in reconciliation-focused dance initiatives supported by the American Embassy. 

Beyond history education, Danilo has shown commitment to sustainability. Collaborating with his wife, a biology teacher, he organized interdisciplinary projects on climate change, incorporating public debates and interactive exhibitions to inspire environmental awareness. His students’ engagement in these projects has extended into the wider community, with many expressing interest in environmental activism. 

Danilo frequently contributes to media discussions on education and societal issues, advocating for the importance of teaching as a transformative force. A new postdoctoral project,  which he intends to undertake in Zurich, aims to further integrate reconciliation and civic responsibility into Holocaust education in Bosnia and Switzerland. His dedication to reconciliation, innovation, and student empowerment underscores his belief in education as a catalyst for societal transformation. His enduring impact has made him a role model for educators worldwide, inspiring future generations to build a more inclusive, tolerant, and sustainable world.