Jelena Šutić, Bijeli Brijeg, Bosnia & Herzegovina
The traces you leave behind…
Author: Jelena Šutić
Five years ago, I initiated the creation of the Instagram page “Pomozi mojoj nevjeri” (Help my unbelief). Back then, I was pursuing my studies in theology, and the page served as a personal hobby for me. Its purpose was to offer support to individuals navigating through difficult moments by sharing my own reflections and inspiring quotes. Having grown up in an environment rich in faith but deprived of a father’s love, I came to recognize the profound influence that a single word of hope can wield. As I shared my thoughts and inspirations on the Instagram page, the number of followers began to escalate with each passing day. Then, one remarkable day, I received a significant request. A family in dire need reached out, beseeching me to utilize my platform to amplify their plea for assistance. Witnessing the astonishing response from my followers, we swiftly organized a campaign that effectively provided aid to the struggling family.
Following the success of that campaign, I decided to give my page a humanitarian purpose, focusing on helping people in need. Collaborating with another charitable organization, we gathered around 120 gifts for the most disadvantaged children in Mostar during Christmas. In a span of just two years, my humble hobby evolved into the charitable community known as “Pomozi mojoj nevjeri” (Help my unbelief), operating under the guidance of the Caritas of the Parish of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist in Mostar. It was within that very parish that I embarked on my journey of volunteer and charitable work as a young girl. Today, I have the privilege of leading a passionate group of young volunteers who selflessly dedicate their free time to serving others.
I embarked on increasingly ambitious projects, and the number of people assisting me grew steadily. In the summer of 2021, the Misericordia Association from Drinovci provided valuable support by helping me secure a small garage, albeit without electricity. Together with my friends, we transformed it into a space where essential items could be collected for those in dire need. As word spread about my work, more individuals recognized its importance and joined me in offering assistance to those facing hardships. In November 2021, a significant milestone was reached when I was granted the use of a small area in the St. John Parish. This space served not only as my office, but also as a dedicated location for collecting donations. Additionally, the parish priest generously allowed me to utilize the parish hall when needed, and I established a parish bank account to facilitate fundraising and enhance the efficiency of our humanitarian efforts.
Working together with volunteers, my aim is to exemplify the value of interreligious collaboration. It is crucial to me that we avoid the practice of dividing people in need of assistance based on any predefined criteria that we might have formed in our minds. Initially, I started by organizing initiatives to collect school supplies and gifts for underprivileged children in my own room. Later, I continued these efforts in an inadequate garage without electricity. Today, we are united in building houses, renovating children’s rooms, furnishing apartments, providing families with clothing, food, and hygiene items, covering utility bills, supporting education through scholarships, and caring for the elderly and vulnerable. During the previous Christmas and New Year’s holidays, we ensured that 1000 valuable gifts were distributed, and at the beginning of the last school year, we supplied 500 students from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina with new school bags and supplies. We also assist people with disabilities in finding employment and acquiring necessary aids. Our community is expanding to other cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as we strive to break down the mental barriers related to religion and national identity. At the beginning, our community had around a hundred volunteers. However, to enhance our organization and effectiveness, we have made adjustments and now have 50 active volunteers who are exceptional and valuable young individuals.
Occasionally, I wonder about the purpose of my commitment to this community. My ultimate aspiration is for every child to flourish in an environment of love and tranquility, where they can feel genuinely safe and nurtured. I am determined to ensure that no child undergoes the same hardships I endured during my own upbringing—growing up in poverty, lacking paternal love and protection.
I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I will wholeheartedly strive to ensure the growth and prosperity of this small community. My intention is to bring about profound and lasting changes in people’s lives, rather than simply providing temporary assistance. That’s why we make every effort to help them secure employment and establish the necessary conditions for independent living. I sincerely hope for the support of the wider community, including the city, county, and entire nation, in providing the quality space and resources needed for our community to thrive.
I hold onto the hope that my completed university education, training, and extensive years of volunteering will lead me to find employment and enable me to stay rooted in my own community. It is my heartfelt wish to remain in a place where I can continue advocating for those who have been abandoned by society. I am determined not to let life take me away to a location where I cannot fight for those who have been overlooked by others.
I don’t have a fixed roadmap for the future. Instead, I believe in letting actions and projects find me, and vice versa. This is how the opportunity to build a house in Gabela came about within my humanitarian work, and we successfully accomplished it. Through the support of small donations, whether it was 1, 2, 5, or 10 KM, we were able to create a home for a family, empowering them to embark on a more enriched and fulfilling life journey.
Today, our primary focus is on raising funds for the construction of a family house in Nevesinje. With the help of God, we also have plans to build two additional homes, in addition to the ongoing daily actions we undertake. It is truly incredible how the things that may hold little significance or value to us can have a profound impact on someone else’s life. I want to emphasize that I cannot accomplish this task alone. I rely on the support and participation of each and every one of you. By working together and assisting others, we can create a more beautiful and fulfilling community for everyone to thrive in.