Delegation 2019:
Cow Distribution & Community Engagement in Bosnia-Herzegovina
In September 2019, Bosnia Trust delegates travelled to Bosnia-Herzegovina to deliver cows, meet beneficiaries, and deepen relationships with local partners and officials. This trip gave us a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of your donations—especially through our sustainable livelihood projects.
✈️Day 1: Team Bosnia touchdown
Thursday 26th September 2019 - Emdad Rahman
Our team landed in Sarajevo after a smooth journey via Vienna and were warmly welcomed by our local coordinators, Samir and Jasmin. That evening, we held a strategy meeting over traditional Bosnian food and prepared for the days ahead.
The visit was kindly supported by donors in the UK, including supplies donated by London Enterprise Academy.
🕌 Day 2: Understanding the Welfare System
Friday 27th September 2019 - Emdad Rahman
We began the day with Fajr prayer at Ferhadija Masjid, followed by a strong cup of Bosanska kafa. Our team spent the morning meeting with local social welfare leaders and learning about how aid is formally assessed and distributed.
We were hosted by:
Ibrahim Malanović, Director of Social Care, who explained the referral and vetting process for those in need.
Hussein Smajić, Deputy Grand Mufti of Bosnia, who shared reflections on solidarity, compassion, and poverty alleviation.
During these meetings, we learned of a family who had just applied for a cow through our income generation project. We're happy to share that Bosnia Trust committed to funding the cow—though we were still short by £1,000 at the time.
Our delegation’s visit was also featured in local Bosnian press—a sign of growing recognition and impact.
🐮 Day 3: Visiting Beneficiaries
Saturday 28th September 2019
This was a truly moving day. We visited several families who previously received cows through our programme—and the outcomes were inspiring:
Merhat told us that nine members of her extended family now rely on the cow for daily sustenance.
Ramiza, empowered by her gift, has since raised four calves. Her self-sufficiency has grown, and she’s become a role model in her community.
These stories are powerful reminders that one cow can transform lives, offering food security, income, and long-term dignity.
🕌 Day 4: Field Visits & Reflections
Sunday 29th September 2019
Our team travelled across rural areas, listening to the lived experiences of beneficiaries. We also stopped to plan future cow deliveries and were heartened by the enthusiasm of local leaders to continue expanding our outreach.
Meeting a previous recipient. Merhat told us that 9 people in her family are now living off this cow.
Ramiza is now empowered and has had 4 calves since we gave her the cow.
Looking Ahead
Our journey concluded on Monday 30 September 2019, but the relationships, learning, and impact continue to grow. Each visit not only deepens our understanding of the challenges faced by families in post-war Bosnia but also reaffirms our commitment to providing sustainable solutions rooted in compassion and dignity.
💬 Reflections & Impact
This delegation offered a powerful reminder of how meaningful, grassroots projects—like cow ownership and sustainable farming—can transform lives. From daily nutrition to income stability, every act of giving creates a ripple of hope.
More updates to come as we continue our mission across Bosnia-Herzegovina.
💚 Interested in supporting projects like this? Contact us.