“I never had a better coffee than this one,” “Great job, man, congratulations,” “Wow, your coffee was so good, congratulations!” These words can be heard often in Zmajevo Srce [Dragon’s Heart], the only café in Tuzla where people with Down syndrome and other disabilities work as waiters. Such words and praise mean a lot to them. They understand everything very well and they always remember what you order.
Once they reach 18 and leave the orphanages in which they grew up, children without parental care as well as those with developmental difficulties are left on their own and, in the process, they face rejection by their communities.
While they are aware of various shortcomings, the Support Office says that they are constantly working to improve their resources so they can better serve witnesses and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
A regional example of positive practices is the Croatian LGBTIQ + association ZA-Pravo, which was founded two years ago at the University of Zagreb Law Faculty. This association fights against discrimination and works to promote the visibility of queer people in the university environment.
Banja Luka resident Merima Gajić is known to her fellow citizens as the heroine of the city on the Vrbas, after rescuing a young girl who recently found herself in the whirlpools of the cold Vrbas River. For this heroic act, she has received recognition from citizens throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as leaders in Banja Luka.
The Blessed Martyrs of the Drina are a symbol of the suffering of the people of the Podrinje region. Their story teaches us that love is more valuable and noble than hatred, and that war brings no good to anyone, only suffering and loss.