Every Saturday and Sunday, twenty children from the Sarajevo publicinstitution Home for children without parental care set out for a place where they feel safe, supported, and welcomed — the premises of the Association for education and upbringing Bistri izvor.

With the support of Foundation Second, which regularly covers all transportation and participation costs, the children have the opportunity to spend their weekends in workshops that are not only educational, but deeply transformative.

Workshops that shape mindsets and strengthen character

The program at Bistri izvor has its own well-structured educational and developmental curriculum, but many workshops are additionally adapted to the specific needs of children growing up without parental care.

For younger children, who attend the program with their caregiver, the activities are simplified, made more interactive, and designed in a way that helps them follow the lessons more easily and participate actively.

Older girls join the group together with other participants their age, giving them the opportunity to socialize, exchange experiences, and feel part of a wider circle of peers.

Through lectures, open conversations, playful learning methods, and various creative activities, week after week we build:

• faith (iman) – a sense of spiritual grounding, gratitude, and self-understanding;
• discipline – developing work habits, organization, and healthy routines;
• modesty and values – nurturing humility, respect, empathy, and good manners;
• self-confidence – belief in their own abilities and the courage to speak, learn, and grow.

For many of the children, this is more than just a workshop — it is a safe circle of support that gives them stability and continuity, something they have often been deprived of.

A space where friendships grow and talents flourish

During the creative workshops, the children paint, write, explore, discuss, listen to lessons, and work on tasks that help them discover their talents and express themselves.

The atmosphere at Bistri izvor is gentle, motivating, and full of warmth — exactly what they need.

Every weekend brings something new: a new lesson, a new skill, a new thought, a new opportunity to build themselves on solid foundations.

 

Foundation Second - Support That Lasts

Foundation Second recognized the importance of these workshops and has, for months, continuously provided transportation and covered all participation costs. This support allows the children to take part in the program with no obstacles, fully relaxed, and eager to grow, develop, and believe in themselves.

Our goal is simple — to give the children from the Bjelave Home much more than activities. We want to offer them the chance to build their character, to recognize their own worth, and to grow up surrounded by people who not only teach them but also genuinely care for them and support them.