A Journey of Inspiring Unity: The 2024/2025 Cycle

In the 2024/2025 cycle, the Older Brother, Older Sister program was successfully implemented with the support of six partner organizations. Walking alongside us toward a happier childhood were Center for Psychological Support Sensus, Mostar, Association for Prevention of Addiction NARKO-NE, Sarajevo, Humanitarian Organization Altruist, Mostar, Center for Youth Education CEM, Travnik, Association Nova generacija, Banja Luka, and Youth Center Bugojno. Across these organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 104 mentees and 103 mentors participated. During the cycle, 1,162 individual meetings, 38 group activities, and 7 joint excursions were held, allowing mentors, mentees, and coordinators to make meaningful steps toward their shared goals.

Both individual and group gatherings played a central role throughout the program. Coordinator Nikolina from Mostar reflected on the group activities: "The gatherings were very engaging because children had the opportunity to meet other volunteers, learn from one another, and share their experiences from these moments." Mentors and mentees spent time together enjoying cakes, drinks, creative projects, museum visits, escape rooms, board games, sports activities, time in nature, and therapeutic horseback riding.

Therapeutic horseback riding was especially memorable, not only for mentees and mentors but also due to the way it was organized. Program coordinator Adis from Bugojno described it: "One of our volunteers generously offered her ranch, sharing everything on it to bring joy to her younger sister and her little friends from the program. Her empathy, warmth, and love, along with the dedication of all our volunteers, left an indelible mark. This is an experience that truly needs to be seen and appreciated."

Throughout the cycle, mentors also held regular individual meetings with their mentees. These moments fostered connection, learning, growth, and mutual inspiration. Coordinator Mirela from Sarajevo noted: "It is especially inspiring to see the creativity of mentors and how they think about making individual meetings as meaningful as possible, ensuring they are educational, fun, innovative, and engaging."

The impact of mentors’ dedication and kindness was felt by both mentees and parents. One mentee from Banja Luka, participating through Association Nova generacija, Banja Luka, shared about her volunteer: "The volunteer taught me to help others. She is always kind to me, and thanks to her I learned to do good and never wish harm on anyone."

As a space for mutual growth, sharing, and support, the program left lasting impressions. Volunteer Mirela Pjanić from Travnik recalled her favorite sentence from her younger mentee at the end of the cycle: "Because of you, I feel happy; when will we see each other again?" This simple message captured how meaningful it is to be present in the life of a child.

Looking back on the cycle, coordinator Sabina from Mostar summarized its value: "What remains most precious is the feeling that someone is regularly waiting for them, has time just for them, and accepts them unconditionally." Filled with attention, care, and love, the program leaves a lasting mark far beyond its conclusion.

The Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation promotes gender-inclusive language. In texts, only one gender is used for readability purposes, but it is clear from the context that it refers to all genders.

Prepared by Asija Muslić, PR department assistant