There is currently 92 children in the SOS Children’s Village in Mojmilo, who are placed in 15 families.
“SOS Children’s Village supports them until they are completely independent. Some of them continue with their education, while others find a job. Anyhow, they always have our support. We have qualification programs for young people, through which they learn various skills, work on the computer, how to prepare for job interviews, and the goal is to prepare them for life’s challenges,” said Asim Sahinpasic, from Department of Communications of SOS Children’s Village.
Their SOS mothers take care of them, and one of them is Meliha, who has seven children in her SOS home.
The first seven years she worked as an SOS aunt and last six years as SOS mother. School for SOS mothers lasts for 2 years, half a year for the theoretical knowledge and practical work for a year and a half. The responsibility is huge and therefore mothers need time some time to see if they are ready for this kind of challenge. Meliha admits that this job possessed her from the beginning, it fulfills her and she has special connection with every child. Soon, one of her children will return to his biological mother, and she’s pleased with that, she says, but also sad.
“All of them are my children. We are one family, we share all the joy and sadness. I often take them to my mother and sister outside the SOS village. I also often hear from children who became independent long time ago. Although some of them already have their own families, they know that I am always here for them and they have my full support and love,” said Meliha.
A total of 278 children and young people live in two SOS Children’s Villages in B&H in Sarajevo and Gracanica. One of the ways of financing the SOS Children’s Village B&H is through the position of the godfather of SOS family, which includes monthly support throughout the year, which helps to cover living expenses for these boys and girls. If someone wants to be SOS godfather, all necessary information can be found on the website of SOS Children’s Village B&H.
(Source: Z. Djelilovic / Faktor.ba)
