Yesterday, in Turalibegova Street in Tuzla, the cafe ”Klub Zmajevo Srce” (Dragon’s Heart Club) was opened, in which people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities are employed.
Irmela Peranovic and Sasa Sunjka, who will work as waiters, had the honor of cutting the ribbon before the opening.
”The day has finally come. I’m thrilled! Last year I have worked as a waiter, and this year I will work as well. From the money I earn, I will buy myself a swimming pool,” Sasa Sunjka said enthusiastically, who will not go on a vacation with his parents because of his work in the cafe.
Irmela Peranovic won gold and silver medals in swimming at the Special Olympics, but in anticipation of the opening of the cafe, she admits that she was nervous.
”I have worked before, but now I feel great because there is a cafe where we will work every day. I invite the citizens of Tuzla to come for coffee, juice, cake…,” Irmela excitedly stated.
Parents hid their tears, but not their happiness because of the work their children will do.
”My son Ajdin loves this job and is extremely happy. I hope that the citizens of Tuzla and everyone else will support this project and that it will be maintained,” said Ajdin’s mother Edita Husisic.
The dream of children with Down syndrome has become a reality thanks to the support of institutions, and associations but also the work of Omer Isovic, president of the Association “Zmajevo Srce”.
”We have five paid rents thanks to the Pomozi.ba association. We received a promise from the Government of Tuzla Canton (TC) to purchase furniture. We were supported by the Assembly of TC, many businessmen… This is truly a beautiful story. Last year, we worked on a socialization project that proved to be very successful. The parents were interested in continuing the story, and the emotions that you can see and even feel are the best signs that we did a good thing,” Omer stated.
The “Klub Zmajevo srce” cafe is not exclusively of a humanitarian nature. It works like all other catering facilities with the aim of earning salaries for employees, but also to develop interaction and socializing with their customers, Federalna writes.
E.Dz.
