While Foundation Second Director Belma Mujezinović, volunteers, and local neighbors were working together to improve the courtyard of the Small Family Home in Ledići, a visit arrived that gave the entire project an additional boost.
The Small Family Home was visited by the founder and Executive Director of Swiss Barakah Charity, Mohamad Ajami, accompanied by representatives of Barakah Charity BiH, Adela Čomić and Esma Smajkan. Although his stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina lasted only two and a half days, he wanted to set aside time to visit Ledići, learn more about the work of Foundation Second, and see first-hand the unique program that has been developing in this mountain village over the past few years.
During the visit, the guests had the opportunity to see how a once neglected courtyard is being transformed, thanks to the efforts of Foundation Second, its volunteers, and supportive neighbors, into a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment for children without parental care, children from socially disadvantaged families, children with disabilities, foster families, young people leaving the public care system, as well as many other beneficiaries of the Foundation's programs.
Particular attention was drawn to the concept of rehabilitation and education through nature, organic gardening, and a unique animal-assisted therapy program with rescued cats. Cats that were once abandoned, sick, or injured have now become an important part of everyday life at the Small Family Home. Through interacting with them, beneficiaries develop responsibility, empathy, patience, and trust, while the cats themselves are given a second chance at life.
Impressed by the overall concept, the natural surroundings of Ledići, and the way Foundation Second combines care for people and animals, Mohamad Ajami decided to support the completion of the courtyard renovation currently being carried out by the Foundation.
After touring the home, the guests walked through Ledići, learned about the plans for the future development of the Small Family Home, and enjoyed the natural beauty of the village, which is becoming a place of rehabilitation, education, relaxation, and the creation of lasting memories for beneficiaries from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"This visit is a great encouragement for us. It means a great deal that Mr. Ajami, despite his very short stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, took the time to visit Ledići and see first-hand what we are building together. His decision to support the completion of the courtyard renovation confirms that he recognizes the importance of creating a safe and inspiring environment for children without parental care, children from socially disadvantaged families, children with disabilities, foster families, young people leaving the public care system, and all other beneficiaries of our programs," said Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second.
She added that this support will help transform the courtyard into an even more functional space for play, learning, spending time in nature, and animal-assisted therapy with rescued cats, for which the Small Family Home in Ledići has become widely recognized.
"We believe that the most meaningful changes happen when people from different countries embrace the same mission—to give children and other vulnerable groups the opportunity to grow, learn, heal, and build self-confidence in an environment filled with nature, care, and a sense of belonging. We are grateful to Swiss Barakah Charity for the trust they have placed in us and for supporting our work," Mujezinović concluded.