The Addiction Prevention Competence Centre continues to strengthen its cooperation with social welfare institutions and organisations working to improve the well-being of children and young people. In this spirit, protocols renewing cooperation have been signed with the KJU Home for Children without Parental Care and the Cantonal Centre for Social Work, with the aim of ensuring the continued implementation of the Older Brother, Older Sister programme. These protocols further strengthen the partners’ shared commitment to supporting children for whom additional attention, understanding and encouragement are particularly important.
These protocols represent much more than the formal continuation of institutional cooperation. They reaffirm a shared commitment to creating an environment in which children have the opportunity to grow up with support, develop their abilities, build self-confidence and establish meaningful relationships with others.
Cooperation with social welfare institutions is particularly important for the effective implementation of the Older Brother, Older Sister programme, which is built on trust, ongoing support and the importance of positive role models in children’s lives. Through coordinated activities, information sharing and a shared understanding of children’s needs, professionals from different institutions help ensure that mentoring support is tailored to each child’s individual circumstances and serves as a valuable complement to existing forms of care and support. In this way, the programme contributes to the development of social and emotional skills, a sense of belonging, and children’s ability to recognise and develop their own potential.
Muhamed Musić, Director of the KJU Home for Children without Parental Care, emphasised the importance of the Older Brother, Older Sister programme for children’s development, highlighting the value of support that helps them grow, develop and realise their potential.
Draženka Osmanspahić, Director of the Cantonal Centre for Social Work, particularly emphasised the importance of cooperation between social welfare institutions and civil society organisations in improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable members of our community. It was also highlighted that cooperation with the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre in implementing the Older Brother, Older Sister programme demonstrates how positive results can be achieved through dedicated work and a shared goal.
Continuity of support for children is further ensured through the renewed cooperation with the Give Us a Chance Association, which once again enables children to participate in the programme this year. Such partnerships demonstrate the importance of bringing together different stakeholders who, each in their respective roles, contribute to creating opportunities for better childhoods and more active participation in the community.
The signing of these protocols and the continuation of cooperation with partner organisations reaffirm that joint action is one of the key prerequisites for providing children with long-term, high-quality support. Through the Older Brother, Older Sister programme, the Addiction Prevention Competence Centre and its partners continue to build relationships and create opportunities that help children feel accepted, supported and encouraged. Sometimes, the time, attention and relationship of someone who believes in them can make a meaningful difference, encouraging children to develop their abilities and step into the future with greater confidence.
The implementation of the programme is financially supported by the Older Brother, Older Sister Foundation.
