On Friday, the Day of the Home for Children Without Parental Care Tuzla was marked, celebrating an institution that has been providing a home, safety and support for children without parental care for 59 years. The occasion brought together representatives of social welfare institutions from across Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the central event was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation and the establishment of the Association of Children's Homes of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Founded in 1967, the Home today represents one of the most important institutions of its kind in the country.
Among the attendees was Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second, who in recent years has developed strong cooperation with institutions caring for children without parental care throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition to the hosts from Tuzla, directors and representatives of children's homes from Sarajevo, Zenica and Mostar attended the meeting and ceremony, while the "Rada Vranješević" Home for Children and Youth Without Parental Care from Banja Luka was also among the signatories of the Memorandum of Cooperation. Due to prior commitments, representatives of this institution were unable to attend the event in Tuzla, but they joined the initiative and supported the establishment of the Association of Homes of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The establishment of the Association marks a new chapter of cooperation among homes across Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed at exchanging experiences, strengthening joint initiatives and improving services for children and other beneficiaries of social welfare institutions.
Particularly significant is the fact that Foundation Second will become a partner of the newly established Association, continuing to support projects focused on developing non-institutional forms of care, organising educational, rehabilitation and recreational activities for children, and strengthening cooperation between institutions, civil society organisations and local communities.
"I am particularly pleased that we gathered in Tuzla on the occasion of the Home's Day and that this event marked an important step towards stronger cooperation among institutions across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Foundation Second already cooperates with homes in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zenica and Mostar, and through our partnership with the Association we wish to further strengthen joint projects and create even more opportunities for children growing up without parental care. I believe that by working together we can do much more for children and young people who are beneficiaries of the social welfare system," said Belma Mujezinović.
During the visit to Tuzla, numerous constructive discussions were held regarding future joint activities, projects and opportunities for cooperation, with more information about specific plans and next steps expected in the coming period.
The newly established Association of Homes of Bosnia and Herzegovina represents an important step towards a stronger and more connected support system for children and beneficiaries of social welfare institutions across the country. Through cooperation, the exchange of good practices and joint advocacy for children's interests, homes will have the opportunity to further improve the quality of services and create even better conditions for the development of some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Foundation Second is proud to be part of this initiative as a partner of the Association and to support future activities aimed at improving the wellbeing of children and young people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.