Although spring officially arrived in March, warmer days have only recently reached the mountain meadows of Ledići village on Bjelašnica Mountain, bringing with them new activities for the children from the Cantonal public institution Home for children without parental care in Sarajevo.
At the start of the year, during their winter holiday in Ledići, the children began an engaging workshop growing beans in plastic cups. Their little plants, which they lovingly tended and nurtured, have now grown tall enough to be transplanted into the soil. The first spring planting in the garden of the house in Ledići is planned for the coming days, and the children have eagerly awaited the moment to finally plant their bean stalks in the earth.
It’s worth noting that the children remained active throughout the month of Ramadan. In the mountain house in Ledići, they took part in creative and educational workshops, cared for their plants, learned about nature and community, and gathered for shared iftars. Ramadan brought them warmth in moments spent together and the opportunity to learn about friendship and looking out for one another, even on the colder mountain evenings.
Belma Mujezinović, Director of Foundation Second, highlights how meaningful these kinds of activities are for children growing up in institutional care:
"In Ledići, children grow alongside the nature that surrounds them. Planting beans and caring for their plants might seem like small things, but for them, these are experiences that help build confidence, a sense of responsibility, and belonging."
New spring workshops in the open air are planned soon, and Foundation Second hopes to secure the donation of a greenhouse, which would allow the children to develop their knowledge and love for plants throughout the entire year, regardless of weather conditions. This would give the children a chance to learn about cultivating different plants, observing their growth and seasonal changes, while acquiring valuable life skills and nurturing a sense of responsibility through hands-on activities.
Spring in the mountains has a special charm, and in Ledići, every plant and every child’s smile carries a story of its own.