Gatherings of Younger and Older “Brothers and Sisters” in the Older Brother, Older Sister Program

The moment we see each other, she always runs into my arms, and then the questions follow: Where are we going first? Which stop do we get off at? How long will we stay there? Where do we go next? These questions always make me happy because that’s her—my younger “sister,” who has been eagerly waiting for our time together for the past seven days. With a smile, she shares these moments with us—Lamija Habibović, an older “sister” who has been spending time with her younger counterpart for over a year.
The way of bonding with children at risk, developed through the Older Brother, Older Sister program, plays a crucial role in building trust and strengthening connections that will shape their future. Special attention is given to selecting volunteers who will take on the role of an older “brother” or “sister,” ensuring that the children in the program fully enjoy the experiences provided to them. The initial conversations with volunteers about their understanding of their role are essential, as is the involvement of professionals who know the child well enough to determine which volunteer would be the best fit. This approach is key because the interaction between the child and the volunteer forms the foundation of an emotional connection that enriches both.
Throughout their time together, which can last up to four years (according to the Standards for the Implementation of the Older Brother, Older Sister Program), children develop a sense of security and trust, while volunteers gain empathy and understanding, contributing to their personal growth. Through shared activities and play, children learn values such as friendship, cooperation, and mutual support. Volunteers, in turn, offer not just their time but also their hearts and attention—something these children truly need.

A Lasting Commitment to Support and Friendship

I believe that our role is to always be there for them and to help them understand the true values of life. I am entering my second year of volunteering, feeling both happy and grateful, and I don’t plan to stop until I see my younger ‘sister’ off to high school. Even after that, I’m sure we’ll continue to build our friendship and enjoy everything life brings, emphasized Amina Likić, a volunteer who took on the role of an older sister a year ago and has since been creating happy childhood moments—just as every child deserves.
In the first few months of these friendships, and sometimes even longer, the atmosphere is often filled with excitement but also uncertainty, as both the child and the volunteer embark on a shared journey of change and hope. These initial moments, no matter how long they last, carry great significance because they shape all future interactions. This process creates a safe and supportive environment that allows the child to open up and overcome fears that may have held them back.
If we reflect on ourselves, it is clear that trust and friendship—key aspects of life—are not easily attained. Now imagine the challenge of building those two important factors between, on one hand, a young and ambitious volunteer eager to give love and do good, and on the other, a child who, despite their efforts to be brave and happy, carries certain difficult life experiences. Yet, at least to some extent, that child is willing to let someone into their life, someone to whom they will eventually entrust their trust.

A Journey from Hesitation to Trust

I definitely noticed at the beginning that she didn’t feel comfortable sharing everything happening in her life with me, and I understood that it was completely natural. After all, we still didn’t know each other well—at that point, I was just a stranger she spent some time with occasionally. No matter how much fun we had together, she didn’t feel the need to share personal matters with me. That lasted for a few months, but I didn’t want to push or show any frustration. Instead, I let time and our shared moments do their work.
That turned out to be the best decision because, after those few months, something changed. One day, out of nowhere, she called me, her voice filled with excitement and happiness, to tell me that she had achieved excellent results at school and had been elected class president for the next year. She wanted to share that joy with me, which meant the world to me. That was the moment I realized that a new chapter had begun for us—one in which we would build trust and friendship. And I was there to prove to her that she had chosen the right person to confide in, shared Lamija, reflecting on the early days of her time with her younger “sister.” Over time, they built a relationship where they could openly share their thoughts—an achievement that, for Lamija, is both a sign of success and a motivation to continue creating a world filled with peace, happiness, and love.

The Essence of the Older Brother, Older Sister Program
Finally, we asked what comes to mind first when thinking about the Older Brother, Older Sister program. Lamija’s answer was simple yet powerful: peace, joy, and love. One of the many special aspects of this program is the unique, unbreakable bond it creates between a volunteer and a child. I don’t know of anything else quite like this.

Wanting to share her sincerest emotions, Amina told us:

I started volunteering after reading a statement that said, ‘If you want to rid yourself of arrogance and selfishness, stroke an orphan’s head or feed the hungry.’ Through my time with my younger ‘sister’ and all the other younger ‘brothers and sisters’ at our gatherings, I’ve come to realize that they have done more for me than I have for them. Many times, I’ve been deeply moved by their stories, only to see those same children smile and play again. It takes immense strength to do that, and I am grateful that, despite their traumatic experiences, they have not lost their will to laugh. I hope that I can continue to be one of the reasons for their laughter, joy, and happiness.

The Older Brother, Older Sister program is implemented with the support of the Foundation for the Support and Development of Mentoring Programs and is carried out in the same way in other cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Amila Ibrahimović