On Saturday, the small mountain village of Ledići, nestled at the foot of Bjelašnica, turned into a true oasis of children's laughter, joy, and playful chatter. Instead of its usual quiet, the village came alive for a day, thanks to an outing organized by Foundation Second for children without parental care and a family at risk of separation, included in the Family and child support service program of the Home for children without parental care Sarajevo.

 

Around twenty children, including two from the mentioned family, spent the day filled with play, socializing, and new friendships. Some met for the very first time — yet as children naturally do, friendships were formed in just a matter of moments.

From the very start of the bus ride, the atmosphere was cheerful — the family treated the children to juices and snacks, making the trip to Ledići even sweeter and creating a sense of togetherness from the outset.

"This is the best day ever!" one little girl from the Home repeated several times, experiencing this mountain haven for the very first time.

While the children ran through meadows, hiked to nearby clearings, and cooled their feet in a natural pool above the dam on the Ledići stream, the adults ensured everything was just right. The father from the family mowed the grass, fired up the grill, and prepared meals for everyone, while the mother, with the help of the children, set up tables and laid out fruit, juices, and ice cream. After lunch, the little ones rested on blankets in the shade, petting the local shepherd dog who spent the entire day loyally following them around the yard of the holiday home — a property granted to the Home for children by Foundation proBITRA.

For several years now, Foundation Second has been organizing trips, workshops, and winter and summer holidays for children without parental care, in accordance with a signed cooperation agreement with the Home for children Sarajevo. Since last year, with the support of the Federal ministry for labour and social policy, families at risk have also been included in these activities in Ledići.

What makes this project particularly meaningful is its focus on non-institutional care — offering children the chance to step outside their daily institutional surroundings, enjoy nature, socialize with peers, and take part in group activities that nurture a sense of safety, belonging, and a normal childhood.

For families at risk, these kinds of outings are not only an opportunity to spend time together, but also a chance to strengthen family ties, develop a sense of shared responsibility, and feel a part of the community. At the same time, through active participation, families demonstrate their willingness and readiness to fight for a better future for their children. This kind of non-institutional support often proves to be a crucial factor in preventing the separation of families and the institutional placement of children.

This outing was made even more special by the older girls from the Home, who selflessly helped organize, prepare, and care for the younger ones — making sure everyone felt happy, safe, and included. Their maturity, kindness, and warmth once again highlighted the importance of these gatherings — not only for fun and games but for fostering solidarity, empathy, and community spirit.

Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second and the heart behind this event, shared her thoughts emotionally:

"This was a day for the soul. Every child deserves a childhood filled with laughter, nature, and friendships, no matter the circumstances they grow up in. I’m deeply grateful to the family for wholeheartedly accepting our invitation and for contributing so warmly to the preparations and organization. A special thank you goes to the older girls from the Home, whose care, responsibility, and tenderness towards the younger ones meant so much to me. They proved once again that when given the chance, children can be the purest example of humanity and solidarity. The only thing missing was the family's eldest daughter, who, on the same day, was representing her school at a volleyball competition. But we proudly followed her results as well."

For the family, who had never before taken part in such gatherings, it was a day to remember. The children returned home with bright smiles on their faces, and as the playful chatter faded, Ledići once again settled into its peaceful quiet. Yet what remained were memories of a day written in laughter, friendship, and human warmth.

And as Foundation Second says — this is just the beginning, with many more such days to come.