Foundation Second continues to invest in the education and upbringing of children without parental care, ensuring that the little ones have the opportunity to grow in an environment that nurtures knowledge, play, and spiritual values. For 17 residents of the Home for children without parental care in Sarajevo, aged between four and eleven, the Foundation covers the costs of transportation and participation in the activities of the Bistri Izvor Association for upbringing and education.
Workshops and classes are held on weekends, and alongside the children from the main Home, those from three small family homes also participate. In this way, the programs become an opportunity for children from different backgrounds to come together, socialize, and learn. What is especially heartwarming is that the children eagerly look forward to weekends—excited about new encounters and activities that bring them smiles and a sense of belonging.
Learning through play
A group of five girls, aged between eight and eleven, joined their peers at the Association and are diligently attending sufara classes (an introductory Qur’an primer for learning Arabic script through the Nuraniya method) under the guidance of teacher Emina Avdispahić. This approach enables them to easily and practically master the basics of Arabic reading and writing, opening the door to further study of the Qur’an.
The youngest children, aged four to seven, receive the dedicated attention of their teacher Aldijana Adžem-Džebo, who introduces them to their first lessons through play and social interaction. In a way that feels natural and close to them, they begin to recognize Arabic letters through fun games and songs. In this way, learning becomes a joyful experience that develops their self-confidence and sense of belonging.
The Director of the Home for children without parental care in Sarajevo, Muhamed Musić, emphasized how beneficial these programs are for the children:
“For our children, this experience brings multiple benefits—not only do they acquire knowledge, but they also develop social skills, connect with one another, and build friendships, which is extremely important in their upbringing. The weekend activities at Bistri Izvor bring them joy, motivation, and a space to express their curiosity and creativity. We are grateful to Foundation Second for this ongoing support, which has a lasting and positive impact on our children.”
The Director of Foundation Second, Belma Mujezinović, who herself has been attending Qur’an classes at the same association for three years, highlights the importance of these activities:
“Our wish is for children to grow up surrounded by care, warmth, and true values. Bistri Izvor is a place where they learn, socialize, and develop through play. I am proud to be learning alongside them, because children make the best progress when they see that adults also seek knowledge and strive in faith. Foundation Second will continue to invest in their education and upbringing, as this is the foundation for a better future.”
The Bistri Izvor Association has been working for twenty years on the mission of educating, nurturing, and providing spiritual support to children and youth. During this time, through its Qur’an and sufara courses and other activities, it has produced numerous hafizas, many of whom continue to share their knowledge and teach new students. As the Association itself notes, it has “stood through 20 years full of effort and joy,” and continues to serve the community as a place of learning, companionship, and spiritual growth.
“It is a great pleasure for us that children without parental care regularly attend our workshops and gatherings. Their presence brings special joy and warmth to our work, and we are happy to provide them with support, new knowledge, and a friendly atmosphere. This interaction is mutual, as they remind us of sincerity and the joy of life, while we strive to be a safe haven and a source of support for them,” said Merima Drinjak-Rustempašić, Youth Sector Coordinator at Bistri Izvor.
Through initiatives like this, Foundation Second shows that investing in children is not just about covering costs—it is about fostering their development, building their self-confidence, and ensuring they never feel alone. The workshops and classes at Bistri Izvor bring knowledge, joy, and play, and the children from the Home and small family homes eagerly await them every weekend with smiles and excitement.
