Twenty Years of Inspiration and Growth

On Universal Children's Day, the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE, in collaboration with the Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programs Older Brother, Older Sister, marked twenty years of this unique program. The conference, titled Twenty Years of Inspiration and Growth, was held on November 20, 2024, at the Children's House in Sarajevo, gathering partners, experts, volunteers, and program beneficiaries.

The event was an opportunity to reflect on past achievements and highlight the need for continued support for the program, which provides at-risk children with mentoring support. A panel discussion brought together experts from social work, academia, and the non-governmental sector, including Ivana Radić from the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation. The discussion emphasized the importance of systemic support for mentoring programs to ensure they deliver long-term and sustainable impact on children and youth.

Experiences from the Heart of the Program

What truly touched the audience were the heartfelt stories shared by those with personal experience in the program — both former and current younger and older "siblings." Among them was Adisa Gagula, once a younger sister and now a member of the Foundation's Board of Directors. In her speech, she shared deeply moving insights:

"I can never say thank you enough to the people who offered me unconditional support and love. I think about them every day, knowing I have someone who genuinely respects and values me. These people changed my life — they taught me to judge others less, to respect and embrace differences more. Their support gave me the strength to grow and work on myself, and every piece of advice and kind word they gave me was a wind at my back."

Adisa particularly highlighted the unique sense of community the program has built — one filled with love, care, and selfless support: "Their actions and words show me daily how much I matter to them. They taught me how to be the best version of myself and a good member of society. These people are like friends, brothers, and sisters to me, and they inspire me to give my all. This experience didn’t just change my life — it shaped me in to the person I am today."

A Call to Action

The conference was more than a reflection on the past — it was a reminder of the importance of collective action to ensure support for children who need it most. The Older Brother, Older Sister program has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many, but there are still countless children without this kind of support. Maintaining and expanding the program requires systemic backing and the engagement of all sectors.