For the past two years, Foundation Second has been organizing regular weekend visits for children from the Cantonal Public Institution Home for Children without Parental Care Sarajevo to the Bistri Izvor Association, where they participate in educational, developmental and creative activities adapted to their age.

For many of these children, these visits represent far more than ordinary workshops and classes. It is a space where they feel accepted and safe, a place where they develop a sense of belonging, self-confidence and trust in the adults around them.

For more than two decades, the Bistri Izvor Association has brought together children, girls and women through various educational programs and youth activities, and over the years it has nurtured numerous huffaz who now pass their knowledge on to new generations of girls and women who wish to follow the same path.

The Director of Foundation Second, Belma Mujezinović, has also been attending programs at this association for several years, where she studies the Qur’an and hifz, which is why she recognized early on how positive such an environment can be for children growing up without parental care.

Children up to the age of four are included in the preschool program, while children aged five to nine work with their educator Aldijana Adžem-Džebo, a graduate pedagogue, according to a special program adapted to their age. Through various activities, they develop concentration, memory, communication, social skills and positive life habits.

Five older girls attend sufra classes based on the Nuraniyya method, through which they gradually learn the basics of Arabic script and reading.

It is especially encouraging that educator Aldijana particularly praised the group of children aged five to nine this year, highlighting their dedication, discipline and ability to learn quickly.

According to her, children from this group memorize content and texts significantly faster compared to other children of the same age she works with, and their progress becomes more visible week after week.

As a special recognition for their effort and work, this group of children will open this year’s final event of the Bistri Izvor Association.

Mujezinović points out that children from care homes often have exceptionally developed observation and memory skills.

"Children growing up without parental care often observe the world around them much more carefully and form stronger bonds with people who provide them with a sense of safety and acceptance. When they feel that someone sincerely listens to and supports them, they invest enormous effort and progress very quickly," she says.

She especially emphasizes that the activities at the Bistri Izvor Association are not a replacement for the upbringing and work the children receive at the Home, but rather its important extension.

"At the Home, educators, social workers, psychologists and professional teams work tirelessly with the children every day, investing tremendous effort into their development, stability and upbringing. Bistri Izvor is a continuation of that work in a different environment, through additional activities, socializing and programs that help children develop a sense of belonging, responsibility and healthy life values," says the Director of Foundation Second.

She adds that it is especially important for these children to be included in healthy and supportive environments outside institutional settings.

"Children spend only one part of their lives in the Home. What they learn during those years often determines how they will live later, once they become adults. That is why it is important for them to be surrounded by good role models, quality activities and people who will guide, encourage and help them build healthy life values," says Mujezinović.

Two years ago, many of these children were withdrawn, insecure and lacked developed work habits. Today, on their way to activities, they repeat together what they have learned, encourage one another and look forward to every new visit.

Foundation Second is currently seeking support for transportation costs for children from the Home for Children without Parental Care in Bjelave, as well as children from their Small Family Homes in Blagovac, Kovačići, Marijin Dvor and Sokolović Kolonija, to the Bistri Izvor Association, so these visits can continue in the future.

At this link, you can find donation options, and when making a donation please specify: "For transportation of children to Bistri Izvor".

Because sometimes just one safe environment, one opportunity and one person who believes in a child can change the course of their life.