SOS Story: Unemployment, extreme poverty, violence in the home, and a general lack of education towards basic parenting skills -- these are just a few of the issues that make parenting difficult around the world.  The stigmatization of children born out of wedlock, families without health insurance and children who do not get birth certificate are additional problems.  In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the story is no different.  When you listen to Berima Hacam and Senka Cimpo, SOS-Bosnia Family Strengthening staff, you immediately get an idea of the resources families require to provide for their children.  Indeed, the range of SOS Family Strengthening activities in Bosnia-Herzegovina is impressive.

“We are there for them.”

Three SOS Family Strengthening programs -- in Sarajevo, Mostar and Gorazde -- offer psychological therapy services. “The families often first contact us by telephone or come here in person to ask for support. They know that we are here for them,” explains Berima Hacam. But more often the social workers do home visits, something much appreciated by the families. “During these home visits, it’s easier for the families to share their problems and discuss solutions.

SOS Family Strengthening programs can offer a range of services, according to what is needed. “Sometimes families need material support, but only for a short time in order to avoid dependency,” clarifies Ms. Hacam, the organization’s standpoint. In many cases, school supplies are an issue. “We buy books or organize the sharing of books, ask partners for support, organize tutoring and training for parents how to support children in learning. Children of the families in the SOS Family Strengthening programs can attend the kindergarten free of charge.”

Health care is another benefit.  The SOS staff check to see if families have health insurance, organize campaigns to address the problem of a lack of health insurance and find solutions with the Ministry of Health in Bosnia. “We also motivate them for regular check-ups, especially in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder,” says Senka Cimpo. “And we offer training and lectures on different health issues, with a company on dental care, for example.”

As many families are looking for income generating activities, SOS Children’s Villages supports them by sourcing partners to organize training seminars. Sometimes SOS Children’s Villages provides simple tools, e.g. for hairdressing and cooking. Even simple measures like buying chicken, giving eggs to families, and training them how to take care of livestock can improve their quality of life dramatically. SOS Children’s Villages even supports them in job hunting with resume-writing services and and referrals to businesses looking to hire.

Offering Knowledge

Knowledge is key to helping parents raise children and teenagers. Parental skills training workshops are open to the whole community. “We also offer knowledge to school teachers, social workers and volunteers.  Some, like child protection, are required by local regulations.  Others are voluntary,” explains Ms. Cimpo. Activities like picnics and excursions complete the service. “The aim is to give a model for how to spend leisure time in a meaningful way. The feedback we get is great!”

While SOS Children’s Villages focuses on providing loving homes to orphaned and abandoned children, SOS Family Strengthening programs around the world have been instrumental reintegrating children with their families when possible.  SOS Family Strengthening staff support these families by showing them how to support themselves.

You can help SOS help keep families together in Bosnia and Herzegovina and around the world.  Make a donation or become a Global Village Builder to provide monthly support of SOS programs and learn more about how SOS helps in communities worldwide.