Canton Sarajevo: 700,000 KM for children with developmental disabilities and their families

(Patria) - Prime Minister of Canton Sarajevo (KS) Nihad Uk and Director of the Association "Give Us a Chance" Ines Kavalec today signed an agreement on financial support in the amount of 700,000 KM.

Funds from the KS budget for 2026 are intended for improving services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and supporting their families, of which there are three times more in KS today than 15 years ago.

The story of a father whose child stays at the "Denis" Day Center best illustrates what this means in concrete terms - thanks to the child being cared for, he is employed today. He can work. He can take care of his family. He is not left to fend for himself.

- By signing this agreement, KS undertakes the obligation that children with developmental disabilities and their families will never be left to fend for themselves.

Allocating 700,000 KM is a direct investment in the dignity of each of these families, and in ensuring that every child has a chance to grow up with the support they deserve - stated Uk.

The agreement specifically supports the work of the "Denis" Day Center - the first center of its kind in Canton Sarajevo, which has been operating in Grbavica since July 1, 2025.

The center has three day rooms, specialist cabinets, and a multifunctional space, implements individualized programs, and meets European standards (green certificate).

The association "Give Us a Chance" has been operating for fifteen years and has shown that the system can be changed - patiently, persistently, and with a lot of love.

Director Kavalec reflected on 15 years of struggle and what this agreement means for the families who knock on the Association's doors every day.

- Signing the agreement means security for us, the opportunity to plan, develop programs, and guarantee continuity of services to families.

I am especially grateful to the KS Government, which for years, with concrete funds and trust, has recognized the importance of what we do. When you know you have that kind of support, you can focus on what is truly important, and that is the children and the people who love them - said Kavalec.

This agreement is part of a broader systemic effort by the KS Government. In previous years, a Mobile Expert Team of 78 associates was engaged, the number of school psychologists increased from seven to 107, and the number of assistants in school classes - from zero to over 400.

The number of children and adults with developmental disabilities using the system's support has increased from around 1,000 in 2010 to around 3,000 today.

The signing of the agreement was attended by KS Minister of Health Enis Hasanović, Deputy Speaker of the KS Assembly Vibor Handžić, and deputies Vildana Bešlija, Sanela Klarić, Belma Kapo, Danijela Kristić, Samir Avdić, and Davor Čičić, as well as parents whose children are beneficiaries of the support from the Association "Give Us a Chance", who thanked the Prime Minister and the KS Government for their support.