Last weekend, children from the Cantonal Public Institution Home for Children Without Parental Care Sarajevo, as well as children from the Small Family Homes in Blagovac, Kovačići, Marijin Dvor, and Sokolović Kolonija, who attend educational activities at the Bistri Izvor Association, were rewarded with Eid gift packages and a day filled with joy, friendship, and beautiful memories.
With face painting, henna art, and fun games, the youngest participants enjoyed activities prepared especially for them. Almost every child wanted a drawing on their face or hand. However, the most beautiful picture of the day was not painted with colours or henna.
One little girl accidentally smudged the face painting on her face while playing. Before the adults even noticed what had happened, another girl—the youngest among them—had already rushed to help. Holding a tissue in her hands, she carefully wiped her friend's face, trying to save what could still be saved.
Moments like these speak volumes about these children. Despite the challenges they have faced, they care for one another, help each other, and celebrate one another's happiness as if it were their own.
Later that evening, two girls aged 11 and 12 attended an Eid celebration organized especially for them by the Bistri Izvor Association for the very first time. Through a carefully designed programme, games, gifts, and refreshments, the girls quickly made new friends. Excited by everything they experienced, they spent hours recounting their favourite moments from the event.
One of them was thrilled to win a gift voucher in a prize draw, while the other presented a very special gift to Foundation Second Director Belma Mujezinović a few days later—a handwritten card filled with gratitude, kind words, and heartfelt prayers.
In her message, the girl wrote that her stays in Ledići had changed her life, that she had learned many new things, and that she would carry those experiences with her forever. She expressed special gratitude for the care, support, and time dedicated to her, and offered prayers for the health, happiness, and success of everyone who cares for children without parental care.
Foundation Second Director Belma Mujezinović expressed her gratitude to the Bistri Izvor Association for the continuous care and attention they provide to children.
"Children need love, a sense of belonging, and the feeling that they are accepted. For years, they have found exactly that at Bistri Izvor. I would like to thank all the teachers, educators, volunteers, and friends of this association who selflessly invest their time, knowledge, and effort so that our children can learn, socialize, develop their talents, and create memories they will carry throughout their lives.
One of the most beautiful gifts I received this Eid was that handwritten card. While reading it, I realized that children see and remember far more than we often think. Their words, sincerity, and prayers are worth more than any award. These are the moments that remind us why we do this work and why we must never give up on investing in their happiness and future," said Mujezinović.
Foundation Second emphasizes that its cooperation with the Bistri Izvor Association is one of the finest examples of community spirit and investment in the upbringing of children who deserve equal opportunities, support, and carefree moments filled with joy.
Because sometimes the most valuable Eid gift is not what is inside a package, but a tissue offered to a friend, a new friendship, or a few sincere words written by a child's hand.