Andrija Đukić (16), student of “Sergije Stanić” secondary vocational school in Podgorica, attracted public attention with his unusual act of walking nearly 900 kilometers in 34 days and collecting almost €2.500 of help for “Be human” foundation.
He set out on his journey on 20 June and came back on 25 July. He already plans new travels and actions in order to contribute to those who need help.
Andrija thanked his school and his mates who have been supporting him throughout his feat. He also thanked “Be human” foundation that made it all possible.
Andrija started the journey for two reasons: to change himself and to help others. He was inspired by movie called “The Way”.
“I wanted to see how far I can push myself, I wanted to overcome some fears I had and I did it. It was the fear of unknown and fear of my own insecurities – I give up easily and this was a great test for me. The other reason is probably more important. I wanted to help those who need help most. I wanted to help children who fight for their life on a daily basis. Those kids are brave, the bravest of all, and they should be the focus of attention, not me. I did this for them”, said Andrija.
He points out there were moments when he wanted to give up.
“I will always remember people I met and friendships I made. They gave me strength and pushed me through every day, encouraged me. Those people are from all over the world. We were all there for the same goal. There were moments I wanted to quit but I didn’t, because I didn’t want to let myself down and let the children down. I was injured, I was exhausted but I made it”, pointed out Andrija.
Everybody had a goal. Everybody’s reason was different.
Andrija was impressed by the finishing phase in Galicia, Spain.
“Galicia reminded me of Montenegro, and that fact gave me strength to keep moving and finish my journey. It’s an extraordinary feeling, I can’t even describe what I felt”, said Andrija.
Andrija has a message for his peers: Never give up and be more tolerant of people who are different.
