In Bosnia and Herzegovina, political infighting, violations of the Constitution and laws, and frequent disputes in the Constitutional Court dominate public life. Amid these tensions, citizens continue to leave the country in search of a better future. Meanwhile, in Lukavac, the number of people relying on the Children’s Public Kitchen is rising, while available food is dwindling.
For eight years, this kitchen has survived solely thanks to donations and volunteers from the altruist association “Hands of Friendship”. Despite countless appeals to all levels of government, not a single institution has provided support. Instead, public offices continue to direct vulnerable citizens to this very kitchen.
Ferida Selimović, who lives without any monthly income, says the kitchen is her only lifeline.
“I would have died by now, as far as that goes, without food, I get it like this,” she says.
She is just one of about 450 beneficiaries—among them young people, pensioners, and the socially vulnerable.
Kada Mehmedović explains:
“I live on the minimum pension, I have a daughter who is very sick, in a wheelchair.”
Ramo Rizvanović, a disabled pensioner, adds:
“Whatever the people give, they give us, whether it’s meat, food, or clothing. I have a 600-mark minimum pension, I’m disabled, and I thank them for all that.”
Enesa Ahmetasević, left without income after her husband’s death, admits her only option without the kitchen would be begging.
“I would beg, that’s what I would do, nothing else,” she says.
The association’s president, Selma Zukić, even gave up her own premises for the kitchen. Despite the enormous need, resources remain scarce.
“We don’t turn anyone away, but sometimes we know how to say – there’s no more. We cook what we have and share it. As for the local government, we don’t have any support from them and they don’t care at all,” Zukić emphasizes.
An additional problem is the inability to deliver meals to the doorstep, as the association owns only one multipurpose vehicle.
“Just two days ago I had a disabled person… he can drive, but he can’t move. He is very sick, lives alone, and begs for food to be brought to him,” Zukić recalls.
After eight years, the Government of Tuzla Canton has finally promised food assistance, raising hopes that more citizens will soon receive a hot meal.
But while citizens wait in hunger, political elites continue their disputes from a position of privilege and luxury. The question remains: is their only legacy for future generations a society without prospects?
