Yesterday, an eight-member family included in the program of the Service for Support to Families and Children of the Cantonal Public Institution Home for Children without Parental Care Sarajevo visited the Small Family Home in Ledići for the first time. The family was welcomed in Ledići by the Director of Foundation Second, Belma Mujezinović, while they were accompanied by the Head of the Service, Amina Pohara, and psychologist Vesna Stanišić, who provide continuous professional support to families at social risk and monitor their development, needs and progress.

Two years ago, the young married couple returned from abroad, where, despite having a large family, they managed to build a stable life and achieve notable careers. They raised their children with great love, dedication and mutual support.

"We used to work different shifts. When I was working, he took care of the children, and as soon as I returned home, I would take over the care while he went to work," the mother shared during the conversation in Ledići.

Unfortunately, after returning to Sarajevo, they faced a reality in which, despite their qualifications, experience and willingness to work, they have been unable to find employment. Today, the family survives on child benefits, which are not enough to cover their basic needs. Despite all the difficulties, they do not want to leave Bosnia and Herzegovina again. They want to stay here, raise their children in their homeland and contribute to the society they belong to.

Their children achieve excellent results at school, the family has a healthy relationship, potential and determination to build a more stable life, but they need an opportunity – at least one job that would help them overcome this extremely difficult period.

Their stay in Ledići brought them relief from everyday pressure and uncertainty. The children walked through the village, visited the waterfall and the spring, played with cats, coloured colouring books and helped prepare breakfast and lunch together with the adults. The girls especially enjoyed helping the Director of Foundation Second plant onions in the garden beside the house, learning about working with the land, togetherness and the importance of small everyday responsibilities.

Activities like these are an important part of the deinstitutional care program developed by Foundation Second in the Small Family Home in Ledići – through time spent in nature, shared meals, everyday life activities and a safe environment, family bonds, sense of belonging, work habits, emotional stability and trust between children and parents are strengthened.

For families facing long-term unemployment, stress and social isolation, visits like these represent much more than a one-day trip. They provide space for rest, conversation, connection and dignity, while also allowing the professional team to better understand the family’s needs in an informal environment and provide more adequate support.

While the children were running through the meadows and exploring the surroundings, the parents appeared more relaxed and relieved than they had in a long time. Before leaving, the children were already asking when they could come back and wished to return the very next day. That is why we promised them that next time they would stay for several days, so they could have more time for rest, shared activities and the sense of safety that Ledići provides to families and children.