Big-hearted people of Mostar: Teaching the socially disadvantaged trades that will feed their families

Founded less than a year ago, after the catastrophic floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they have already done so much that the whole of Mostar speaks of them with praise, writes the Patria news agency. 

Several enthusiasts from the city on the Neretva registered the association „Together for Our City“, whose members today collect food, clothing and household necessities for their socially disadvantaged fellow citizens, and also help many to raise money for medical treatment.

The big-hearted people of Mostar are financed by voluntary contributions from good people, mostly from the diaspora of Mostar, but also from those living in the city on the Neretva.

The founder and president of the Association, Nermin Mehić, told the Bosnian news agency Patria that the Association will soon launch a project to educate socially disadvantaged people, who, with the help of associates, will be trained in trades that will enable them to secure a livelihood for themselves and their families afterwards.

The first educational workshop will be organized at the woodcarvers' workshop in Mostar, where experts will teach five socially disadvantaged people the woodcarving trade. Of the five, the two best will also receive tools so they can continue working independently after completing the training.

- Our goal is not to bring a fish to people in a poor material situation every day, but to teach them how to fish, to buy them a rod, so they can take care of themselves – Mehić explained figuratively, adding that they are currently considering opening a boutique in Mostar, where they would employ two single mothers.

Among the members of the association „Together for Our City“ there are people of all faiths, no one talks about politics or sports, and they say they work hard and dedicatedly.