“Autism is not the end of the world — it’s the beginning of a different, yet equally beautiful and meaningful life. A life that teaches us patience, acceptance, unconditional love, and a strength I never knew I had. Autism does not define my son, but it is a part of who he is. He is sensitive, unique — and every single day he reminds me how important it is to see with the heart, not just with the eyes. This is not a lament, nor a plea for pity. This is a call for understanding. For acceptance. For kindness. Because what seems ‘different’ is often simply unfamiliar — not less valuable.” These are the heartfelt words shared with us by Edina Husrep, mother of a boy on the autism spectrum and president of the association "Budi mi prijatelj" from Jablanica — words that will surely resonate with every parent of a child with autism.

When they started last year, it was hard to imagine how much success they would achieve in just one year. The association "Budi mi prijatelj" from Jablanica began ‘from scratch,’ and today they have their own premises where the first inclusive center for children with developmental difficulties in that Herzegovinian town will be established, with great support from the PRAGG project throughout. The members of the association invested a great deal of effort and activism to encourage the local government of Jablanica to allocate them space for the Inclusive Center and to provide 20,000 BAM from the municipal budget for its establishment and operation. Now, the association is facing a new challenge and goal — to renovate and equip the premises so that children with developmental difficulties from Jablanica and surrounding areas can finally have a place to learn, grow, and develop every day with the help of trained professionals. To make that happen, the official handover of the keys must take place — something that has yet to occur, despite the fact that the association signed a multi-year lease agreement with the local government. Still, the members of the association remain optimistic and believe they will receive the keys very soon.

To support the renovation and furnishing of the premises, a humanitarian phone line has been activated: 090 292 012 — currently available only through BH Telecom. All kind-hearted people are invited to join the association’s campaign and donate whatever they can for those who are most vulnerable. The cost of one call is 3 BAM.

Selfless support also came from Jasmin Salkić from Tuzla — a special education teacher, actor, and author of the play "How to Understand Me with Autism." He performed the play in Jablanica, offering a vivid and heartfelt portrayal of a child with autism and the daily challenges they face. The performance deeply moved the audience, who also had the opportunity to financially support the ongoing work and activities of the association. Another public event is currently being prepared in Jablanica, which will serve as an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the association’s past and upcoming initiatives and needs. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 13, and all those interested in meeting the activists and the children — who eagerly await the day they can begin attending the Inclusive Center — are warmly invited to join.

The importance of the Center’s existence and long-term sustainability is recognized by many public figures from various walks of life, who offer their support to the Association on a daily basis. Equally significant is the kindness, compassion, and generosity shown by local business owners and entrepreneurs, who support the work of the Center and the Association through their charitable contributions. Some of them have long since moved abroad, yet they have never forgotten their homeland. It is of utmost importance that as many people as possible recognize the significance of this initiative — because only parents of children with developmental difficulties truly know how demanding, exhausting, and difficult it is to take their child to therapy in Sarajevo, Mostar, Prozor-Rama, or Konjic. And this has been the reality for years. Due to the inability to make these long journeys daily, many children are denied or have limited access to rehabilitation and education. Yet, for their progress and visible development, daily engagement in specialized environments with trained professionals is essential. And this is precisely why Jablanica urgently needs an Inclusive Center.

At present, the official number of children with developmental difficulties in the Jablanica area is unknown. According to unofficial sources, there are around 80 children.  One of the upcoming steps for the "Budi mi prijatelj" Association is the creation of an official Registry of children/persons with developmental difficulties in the Jablanica municipality. This registry would help determine the actual number of children in need, the degree of their disabilities, and would allow for each child to receive the appropriate support based on their specific needs. It would also mean that children who, for various reasons, have never had access to educational or rehabilitation institutions would finally get the chance to learn, grow, and connect with others.

In order for children to grow and thrive — and for parents to witness their progress with a smile — it’s important to remember that every child deserves an equal chance. "So I ask you: if you come across a child who doesn’t respond the way you expect, who behaves 'differently', please remember — they may be fighting battles you cannot see. And perhaps in that very moment, they (and their family) need support, not judgment. We are learning together. He grows, but so do I — as a mother, as a human being. He is my path. It’s not always easy, but it is filled with love. And we walk it proudly", concludes Edina Husrep, president of the “Budi mi prijatelj” Association.