Ledići welcomed the members of the Association of persons with special needs of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton in the most beautiful way. This small village on Bjelašnica, home to the Small family home run by Foundation Second, hosted 15 guests led by the Association’s president, Emira Hodžić.

 

Work, care, and kindness stronger than obstacles

As soon as they arrived—accustomed to work and contribution despite developmental challenges—they immediately asked how they could help: to mow the grass, clean the yard, and later in spring cultivate a piece of land and plant vegetables so that the children who most often stay in this home could have organic and healthy food.

“I’ll bring my own seeds,” said a mother of two forty-year-old sons from the village of Živojevići near Goražde.

The three of them cultivate the land and sow crops not only for their own needs but also for others. Selfless by nature, they share everything they have.

“The other day we were bagging potatoes and my son said, ‘Let’s give one bag to Bema,’” she added with a smile, referring to Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second, who organized their trip with the support of the Federal ministry of labour and social policy through the deinstitutionalized care program.

Foundation Second succeeded in insulating and furnishing the Small family home in Ledići together with the Cantonal public institution Home for children without parental care Sarajevo, which received this beautiful property for 99 years of use from the proBITRA Foundation. What remains is to complete the outdoor landscaping – fencing and garden furniture – which requires significant financial support.

“Until you build a proper fence, I’ll make you a temporary one so you can enclose part of the land and start planting,” said a hardworking young man from the village of Kaoštice, who, although he cannot read or write, works tirelessly from dawn to dusk to support his brother, sister-in-law, and their four children.

The women couldn’t sit still either. They immediately started cleaning — the kitchen, the floors, and the rooms.

“I don’t know how to use that mop, I’ll just wipe the floor with a cloth,” one of them said with a laugh.

It wasn’t long before the house was filled with the scent of Teta Violeta’s lavender, a universal floor cleaner donated by the company Violeta, along with other hygiene products.

The men wanted to take over the grill but admitted they had never done it before.

“We never barbecue; there’s always something more urgent to do,” they said, laughing. So, the grill was taken over by the Association’s president Emira, who gave directions and created a cheerful atmosphere for everyone. That’s how it always is with her – she gathers them, creates joy, and brings light into their days.

An evening filled with emotion, laughter, and togetherness

“This is the first time we’ve all spent the night somewhere together, cooking, cleaning, living like one big family. That’s what we’d love—to grow old together, so our children don’t end up in institutions after we’re gone, but that we care for one another under one roof, because that’s how we feel—connected,” said Emira Hodžić, who, despite facing health challenges, never gives up on her members.

“Sometimes they bring me in a wheelchair to our Association’s premises, and they say, ‘Just come so we can be with you. If you can’t, we’ll all come to your home,’” she added warmly.

The evening was marked by joy and emotion, with a surprise prepared by Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second — a cake and celebration for a newlywed couple, for whom this trip also served as a honeymoon. Amidst laughter, tears of happiness, and heartfelt congratulations, everyone felt loved, accepted, and special.

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The photos are published with the permission and insistence of the participants, who wanted their faces to be visible — as they said, “We want people to see us, to know that we exist.”