Hero Mothers: Fahreta, Elvira and Amela Alone Feed 17 Children

That a mother's love for her children is stronger than any other in the world is best illustrated by the examples of three heroines from eastern Bosnia, writes the BH news agency Patria.

Fahreta, Elvira and Amela have 17 children, and are mostly without any income. Every day they must make great efforts to provide food for their children for that day.

However, all three say that they have not considered giving up for a single moment. Their true happiness is in their children. They have completely dedicated their lives to their upbringing. They are their only wealth in the world. All three unanimously agree that they will fight for their children until they become independent individuals.

Heroine Fahreta Gerović and her five children live in the village of Đogazi near Srebrenica. Their biggest problem is the cramped hut where they can barely all fit. Since Fahreta's husband left her two years ago, it has become increasingly difficult to get food.

- When I have money, I pay for electricity, and when I don't, they cut it off. We don't have our own water either, so we have to manage - says Fahreta, adding that she is most burdened by the fact that she always owes something to her neighbors because she often has to borrow for food. She admits that she wouldn't be able to cope if it weren't for good people who often bring her food.

This mother and her family previously had no roof over their heads. After that, a neighbor gifted them part of her land on which they built a wooden hut where they now live.

- It's difficult, but God always finds a solution for us - says the optimistic Fahreta.

Another heroine, Elvira Memić, lives just a few kilometers away, in the village of Podčauš near Bratunac. She and her five children live on 75 KM they receive as child benefit. Their wooden hut is also an improvised dwelling. However, for them, she says, it is like the best villa because they have no other roof over their heads.

- I have six children, but one of them lives with my parents, who wanted to ease my burden that way, even though they also live with difficulties - says Elvira, adding that the separation from her child was difficult for her. She divorced her husband due to domestic violence, and for a time she stayed in a safe house.

- It's hard for me, we often don't have enough food, but my children are my great joy. It's always nice with them. When one of them leaves home for school or to play in the field, I can't wait for them to come home - says Elvira, adding that she only hopes that her children, when they grow up, will be able to provide a more comfortable life for their children.

Amela Đekić from Nova Kasaba near Milići lives with seven children. Their biggest problem is the house, which is very damp and causes her children to be frequently ill.

- I am constantly trying to fix the house, but it's difficult, there's always some dampness appearing - says Amela, who also, despite the problems, enjoys time with her children. She says she realized long ago that for a person to be happy, only the love of their loved ones is important, writes Patria.

These single mothers, as well as other families, are helped by the Association "Svjetlo" which often provides them with food and hygiene supplies.

All those who wish to help these single mothers can do so directly or send money to the Citizens' Association "Svjetlo", address: Ilidža, Plandišta Br 2.

Tel: 062 798 102

UNION BANKA DD Sarajevo

Account: 1020500000066540
IBAN: BA391020500000066540