How many times, while strolling carelessly, have you seen a mother trying to calm her child who is having a meltdown at that moment? Have you wondered why the child is behaving that way and possibly offered help, or did you think the child was spoiled and continued on your way? It probably didn’t occur to you that this child may have developmental difficulties and experiences such outbursts almost daily. Not because they are spoiled, but because they are ill. Do you know how much energy, strength, patience, and knowledge parents of these children need to calm them down? Have you wondered how much those parents are hurt by your judgmental gaze? Sometimes, even the pity from passersby hurts them. All these parents give their maximum effort to make their children's lives easier and provide them with the best possible care. However, for this to be realized, support and help of all kinds are crucial, especially since many families, particularly in smaller communities, do not have the opportunity to take their children with developmental difficulties to rehabilitation and educational institutions daily. There are many reasons for this: the lack of a Center for people with disabilities, finances, infrastructure, distance, even shame. To overcome all these challenges, the members of the "Budi mi prijatelj" Association from Jablanica have stepped up. Until now, they have had to take their children to Mostar, Konjic, or Sarajevo, and that only a maximum of three times a week. This requires extremely high costs, energy, and time. Unfortunately, the results or progress have not been sufficient because for visible progress and development, daily work with trained staff is necessary. Now, the dedicated, brave, and courageous parents from Jablanica are just one step away from their goal: the opening of an Inclusive Center for children with developmental difficulties in their town.

Let us remind you that at the end of last year, the Municipal Council of Jablanica allocated 20,000 KM from the Budget for the equipment of the Inclusive Center. Now, they are waiting for the signing of the contract that will ensure the "Budi mi prijatelj" Association can use the premises for the Inclusive Center. The decision is expected to be made at the next meeting of the Municipal Council of Jablanica, which should take place in the first half of this month. After receiving the keys, much-needed renovations, painting, and equipping of the rooms for working with children with developmental difficulties will follow. And even in turbulent times, there are people with good hearts who are ready to donate their time, effort, and money to those in need. This is proven by the workers from the Jarić construction company from Jablanica, who announced they would carry out the renovation work for free. Since helping children is not just a local story, an association from faraway Canada has also reached out. They have expressed their willingness to provide financial donations to equip the Center with the best possible equipment needed for working with children. And that’s not the end of the good news. It is certain that the children will work with defectologist Nedžma Mašić and speech therapist Romana Manigoda. Their daily work with children with developmental difficulties is immensely important. Along with them, the goal is to have an occupational therapist, a psychologist, and a pedagogist working at the Center every day, as all of them are very important for the development of motor and social skills in children. It is planned that, in addition to group sessions, the children will also have individual sessions. The idea is for the Center to eventually be equipped with a sensory and relaxation room.

In order for all of this to be possible, the parents and members of the "Budi mi prijatelj" Association believe that this story will reach as many good-hearted people as possible, who will find a way to help the little ones get the opportunity for the best possible development and progress. Because, the smile of a happy child is priceless!