A mother arrived today at the premises of the Educational Center of Canton Sarajevo with her 14-year-old daughter. She appeared visibly exhausted and distressed. The Center’s professional team, which has been supporting the family through its protection program, responded immediately – providing her with a meal and basic assistance before the meeting took place.

The reason for their visit was clear: the girl urgently needed orthopedic shoes.

Born with “twisted” feet, the girl underwent surgical procedures as an infant. Today, she lives with consequences that require continuous orthopedic care – regular check-ups, physical therapy, and wearing custom-made orthopedic footwear. Without adequate shoes, she experiences pain, improper gait, and additional strain on muscles and tendons.

The insurance covers only one pair of orthopedic shoes per year.

For the rest of the time, the family manages as best as they can.

Extremely difficult socio-economic conditions

That day, the girl arrived wearing old sneakers from the previous year, which had already become too small. Quiet and withdrawn, she did not ask for anything for herself. Her wishes are modest – she wants to enroll in a hairdressing school, participates in religious studies competitions, and, together with her sisters, observed the entire month of Ramadan fasting.

The family lives in extremely difficult socio-economic conditions. Their income is limited to child allowance, while rent and utility costs amount to around 350 BAM per month. The father lost his ability to work due to a workplace injury and is also dealing with chronic health issues. The mother, in addition to her own health problems, is struggling with psychological burden caused by the daily fight to meet basic needs.

Medical documentation shows that the girl does not have severe neurological disorders, but her condition requires continuous orthopedic therapy and appropriate aids. Without this, there is a risk of worsening functional condition and additional complications.

Cooperation with the Educational Center of Canton Sarajevo

This was the first concrete case referred to Foundation Second by the Educational Center of Canton Sarajevo after signing the Cooperation Agreement.

Although the initial request focused on the procurement of orthopedic shoes, the field assessment showed that the family needed broader support.

The Director of the Foundation, Belma Mujezinović, in accordance with this, immediately after the meeting provided basic food supplies, as well as medications that the mother was unable to afford.

At the same time, she initiated fundraising for orthopedic footwear, whose cost, including production based on a plaster model, exceeds 1,000 BAM (500 EUR).

Thanks to the quick response of Haris, a long-time donor of the Foundation, as well as his network of friends, the necessary funds were collected in a short time, and orthopedic shoes for the girl were secured.

This case once again confirms how important timely support for families at risk is – not only by solving a single problem, but through a comprehensive approach that includes health, social, and life needs.

Foundation Second continues to operate in this direction – providing support where it is most needed, with the goal of preserving families and creating conditions for a dignified life for every child.