By Ljiljana Vasic | Director
Hassan A. has recently got a baby brother. It was huge news in the life of this fourteen-year-old refugee boy. For months now, he has been at the Institute for Children without Parental Care in Belgrade, waiting to join his family who remained in Turkey.
When after a long journey from Middle East, Hassan’s family arrived to Turkey, his parents could not continue farther. His mother was pregnant and she could not go on any more. Hassan was sent on with the family friends. He arrived to Serbia, but since he was an unaccompanied minor he was sheltered at the Institute.
This refuge boy expected his parents to join him soon to continue to Western Europe together. Meanwhile, EU countries decided to drastically limit the entry of refugees to EU, and Hassan and his family were stuck separated in two countries.
When we first met him he was sad and lonely, did not have anyone to speak with in his own language. Every day he sadly looked at other boys who as unaccompanied minors stayed at the Institute for Children without Parental Care for a week or two before moving on and being joined with their families.
He wanted to go back to Turkey, but the family told him to wait for them, hoping that they would soon get to Serbia, too. The time went on. It became a bit easier when he could make telephone contact with parents. Hassan got somewhat used to the situation and began learning Serbian and English. He continued his education in the new conditions. Teachers at the Institute say that he will be reunited with his family, probably, early next year.
Pomoc deci has organized workshops as part of psychosocial assistance for refugee children and Hassan is regularly attending them. On regular basis, our organization provides him and other children with the necessities - primarily clothes, jackets, sweatshirts, underwear, socks and shoes. Every time we bring sweets and other things for a little fun – table tennis equipment, badminton sets or toys and drawing pens, blocks or color pens, a broad smile and a hug great us from Hassan and his new friends.
According to the official data, about 10,000 refugees are currently in Serbia. Refugee camps are crowded. Many of the refugee children are with their parents in the streets and parks. Due to the cold weather, their needs are growing, they are increasingly vulnerable, especially children. More and more refugees remain in Serbia, whilst new ones are entering the country every day.
We need your help to be able to help these children keep healthy, both physically and mentally!
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