Summer With the Volunteers

Summer is always a special time for us, as it brings new visits and encounters with volunteers who selflessly share their material and spiritual goods with refugees and migrants. Through their actions, these volunteers embody Jesus’ message: “Freely you have received; freely give.” This year, among them, were volunteers from Caritas Antoniana. In addition to sending volunteers, Caritas Antoniana supports us through many projects, such as purchasing a house for vulnerable categories, acquiring medical aids, glasses, and hearing aids, and providing dental repairs.

Their volunteers participated in all the services and activities we offer our beneficiaries. They were present at the Day Center in Bihać, cooked communal meals, shared life stories, and provided immense support. They visited the Lipa camp, participated in the work of the hairdressing salon and IT workshop, visited camps in Sarajevo, and worked with children through educational, creative, and sports activities. They also stayed at the Reception Center for Unaccompanied Minors, where they participated in culinary, cultural, and sports workshops and user integration programs.

In addition to volunteers from Caritas Antoniana, we had the honor of hosting volunteers dedicated to important tasks such as fundraising and writing project proposals. Young students from the private university in Barcelona, ESADE, shared their project management knowledge with us, which our team used to implement new project proposals.

We were especially touched by the visit of volunteers who came independently, like Andrea. Andrea read our articles on the web portal and recognized the values we share. He was accommodating in the work of our Day Center in Bihać, where daily encounters with people required a lot of time and will, but brought immense joy. Andrea was the initiator of wonderful gatherings, sharing important experiences, and was a true inspiration. In addition, he opened the door to Italian culture and traditions for our beneficiaries through the preparation of Italian delicacies and assistance in sharing important information on how to apply for asylum in Italy.

We are infinitely grateful to all the volunteers, as they provided us with new inspirations, highlighted the greatness of gratuitousness, and most importantly, were there for our beneficiaries, primarily as friends full of support.