Let’s imagine, for a moment, a world created by empathy, understanding, support, and love. It seems perfect, doesn’t it? But doesn’t it also sound somewhat unattainable and unrealistic, given the insecurity, superficiality, and distance that unfortunately still surround us today? We would all agree that each of us prefers values that fill our lives with true joy. But what about those who do not have such a privilege of choice yet bravely step forward and believe in the positive in the world? There is, in fact, a quiet power that can change the course of a child’s life—the moment when they realize they are not alone, that someone sees their struggle, courage, and believes in their potential. Such a power has been embodied in the program called Older Brother, Older Sister for twenty full years. To understand what lies behind this program and its 20-year existence, we spoke with two people who were there from its beginnings, Sister Magdalena Schildknecht, founder of the Association for Addiction Prevention NARKO-NE, and Alma Hadžiskakić, who successfully led and developed the program for 18 years.
Wanting to create a healthier environment and provide assistance and support to young people and children in need, the dedicated team of professionals from the NARKO-NE Association, along with volunteers and people from the Social Welfare Center, recognized that there was a real need for such a program. In the program’s pilot phase, we worked with children who had lost parents in the war and lived with older relatives, which created a need for additional support. Alongside them were refugee children from various parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, adjusting to new surroundings, as well as children from families facing economic and familial hardships. All these circumstances were reason enough to start the program, which has proven to be an extraordinarily successful idea, Alma began her story.
With an outstanding team of professionals, volunteers, and collaborators, and a clear vision and goal, the success was guaranteed. However, for such an inspiring but also demanding program to succeed, it was essential to keep up with changes, adapt to the needs of both the children and volunteers, and provide meaningful support to both. As the program progressed and received positive feedback from the Social Welfare Center, which at the time was a crucial factor for its continuation and development, its effectiveness in supporting at-risk children became apparent. This opened the door for the program’s expansion and inclusion of a larger number of children. Evidence of the program’s importance is seen in the fact that it initially included only about ten children, then quickly expanded to 25, and within a year, grew to 60 children.
It’s said that volunteers are the heartbeat of those in need of love and support, without asking for anything in return—their presence changes lives and brings hope where it’s most needed. Considering that volunteers also play a crucial role in creating the most beautiful childhood moments for at-risk children, we asked Alma how they recruited volunteers, or “older brothers and sisters.
In the beginning, we placed posters about the program at certain faculties, so volunteers could apply, and these were often students of pedagogy, psychology, and social work. Soon, students from other fields joined because they wanted to be part of this story. From the start, the role of the “older brother/older sister” began with an application, an interview, a two-day training, and then engagement for those ready to commit throughout the school year. The training greatly helped them understand what their role as a “older brother/sister” would look like in practice and allowed them to assess their readiness for this kind of work with children and with themselves. With the advancement of technology, we adapted the program’s promotion and opened the doors to all students, regardless of faculty. To ensure continuous support for volunteers, we established mandatory counseling meetings to discuss work with the children, changes, challenges, plans, and personal development. This approach has proven effective over the years in creating happy moments for everyone involved.
After 20 successful years, we wanted to know what Alma believes is crucial for the program. First and foremost, it’s the team at NARKO-NE, because we had the vision and dedication to our mission of addiction prevention. We knew it required commitment, proactivity, and patience because social changes take years and a willingness to persevere. A strong collaboration with our partners—the Cantonal Social Welfare Center, the children’s homes, and professionals from these institutions—was essential. Of course, we could not have achieved this without the volunteers. Equally important is our support for the volunteers, so they could grow personally and professionally. Although they joined to support a child, it was crucial for us that they also experienced growth, Alma proudly emphasized.
Sister Magdalena has always been there for everyone, providing boundless support and striving to gain the same in return, so that the children, youth, and everyone involved could genuinely enjoy the beauty of this story. The project left a strong impression on me due to the connection among people who wanted to help such children. At the beginning, parishioners from Switzerland provided financial support for several years, and when we invited them to our anniversary in 2014, they were impressed by the power of collective work, even in a society affected by wartime divisions. I used to write a biannual newsletter about the project, with stories of the children and volunteers. This newsletter was intended for fundraising in Switzerland, and people there read it eagerly. Our German donor Renovabis was also a crucial supporter from the start, and over time, more donors joined us, Sister Magdalena shared with a smile.
Finally, we asked Alma what first comes to mind when she hears “older brother, older sister,” to which she responded with tears of joy: Warmth, support, hugs, love, perseverance, and patience. Even in the hardest times, each of us has certain capacities, qualities, and preserved resources, which only need support at the right moment, and that is precisely what this program offers. I must also mention that, at the end of the program, I often receive feedback from volunteers saying that the children helped them and enriched their lives, not just the other way around. It’s heartwarming to see that many remain in contact and continue to meet.
I believe that everything said is more than enough to grasp the uniqueness of this story, which surely leaves no one indifferent. Through this story, through this program, everyone has an equal role and a shared goal—to open their hearts in their own way and give a child the chance to be aware of their potential and build trust in the world around them. How much do we all need that?
Amila Ibrahimović
