When the Community Unites: Summer Trip in Banja Luka
During each program cycle, our mentors and mentees have two major, special group gatherings, a winter and a summer trip. Year after year, these trips create unforgettable memories, and this year we bring you a special story from the summer trip of our Informal Group in Banja Luka. Ten pairs of mentors, our volunteers, and mentees, children with disabilities, enjoyed the beautiful setting of the Kentaur Equestrian Club.
Coordinator Maja reached out to the Kentaur Equestrian Club to organize this special day for our mentees and mentors. The club generously offered their space, trainers, and animals for this occasion without requesting any fee, emphasizing that this was their way of supporting the program. In addition to Club Kentaur, other community members contributed to making the trip possible. Bokić Bakery provided delicious fresh pastries, while Delfin Travel Tourist Agency and Sfinga Driving School helped ensure the trip ran smoothly.
During the day, children and volunteers fed, petted, and rode therapeutic horses, which helps children with disabilities develop motor skills and build self-confidence. At the club, they also interacted with dogs, goats, and other four-legged residents. They enjoyed games across various terrains, competed, cheered, laughed, and supported one another. After the activities, they refreshed themselves and enjoyed treats, then made picture frames from natural materials, creating keepsakes that will always remind them of this special day and the Older Brother, Older Sister program.
Volunteer Nina Prtić shared her experience of therapeutic riding with her younger sister: "Everything was wonderful, but what mattered most to me was the connection with my younger sister. She called for me all the time, wanted to be close, held my hand, and laughed when I laughed… In those moments, I was her safe haven and someone with whom she could feel free and joyful. That meant more to me than anything else."
We are deeply grateful to the donors who took the initiative to support this trip, showing that our mentees are never alone and always have someone who understands and supports them. Their contributions help strengthen the bonds between our mentors and mentees, and we also thank our coordinator and volunteers for making this inspiring summer gathering possible, touching the hearts of everyone involved.
*Foundation Older brother, older sister promotes gender-inclusive language. Texts use a single gender for readability, but it is clear from the context that it refers to all genders.
Prepared by Asija Muslić, PR assistant
