By Nirma Delibasic, Toy Librarian in Kakanj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Faris is a six year old boy from the Roma community named Varda, whom I met earlier when I volunteered at the Roma Support Center „Romalen“ Kakanj. He showed what an interesting and sociable boy he is. Faris was curious and inquisitive about anything.
His parents are illiterate and unemployed, they live in destitute poverty. No matter how hard they try, they are not able to satisfy all needs of their children.
Becoming a regular visitor to the toy library, Faris started to enjoy the toys, by which – to indulge his educational needs, as well as to use plasticine, crayons, social games, and picture books which he never have had before. By doing so, Faris have gained skills that will be of a certain benefit to him when he starts school, which he is so impatient to do.
Ahmed is a blue eyed, five year old boy, too attached to his mother, who does not talk, and does not socialise with other children.
On his first visit to the toy library, Ahmed hesitated to enter the premises. Then he saw a colourful toy train, and this is how we have managed to get some of his attention and had him enter, holding his mother’s hand. His mother explained that Ahmed is a bit different and she accepted our advice to not give up bringing Ahmed to the library.
Ahmed’s next visit to the toy library was different. He kindly greeted all of us, and expressed his desire to watch another boy playing. After a while, he had joined that boy and his mother was not even close!
With every visit to the toy library, it was noticed that Ahmed has really changed his attitude and behavior.
And, although, Ahmed still does not talk much and is not very sociable, we are very happy that he feels safe and enjoys the activities which the place offers.
