Delicious meals from one tiny seed

A family that grows together

Mission Without Borders' family sponsorship support programs help bring hope and security to families living in uncertain times.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermina takes very good care of the household and the three children Esmira, 15, Asmir, seven, and baby Merjem, one.

The family's father, Esmir, works hard to provide for his family, but low wages and the lack of work in winter means that he and his wife are always struggling to afford the next meal.

With limited resources, both do their best to provide their children with everything they need, but it’s often not enough, especially during the cold winter months when food is expensive and scarce, heating is needed, and there is very little work.

After being registered in the Mission's Family Sponsorship program, the family were delighted when they received a package labelled ‘Seeds of Hope’. Inside were seeds to grow potatoes, onions, parsley, Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, carrots, green beans and cucumber.

Nermina’s eyes brightened as she opened the package. She had always wanted to grow vegetables in their garden, but she could never afford to buy seeds from the market.

Now, for the first time, she had a chance to grow food not just for the summer, but enough to preserve some for the winter as well.

Nermin Begovic, the local Mission coordinator, said, “Seeds of Hope represents more than just a chance to plant vegetables. It gives families the opportunity for independence, dignity, and resilience. Instead of waiting for help to arrive, families can grow their own food, stretch their limited income further, and eat more healthily."

Seven-year-old Asmir said, “I love helping my mother in the garden. It’s so interesting to see how from one tiny seed we can have such delicious meals later on. Tomatoes are my favourite. I love to eat them alone or in a salad with eggs, whatever my mother prepares for us.”

Nermina also had the opportunity to go along to a training session run by the Mission which offered advice, training, and support on how to best grow vegetables.

“I am glad that she was listening carefully and that today she can enjoy in the fruits of her work,” Nermin said.

The garden full of growing vegetables means less trips to the market, where so much of the food is too expensive. It means jars of pickled peppers and tomato sauce lined up in the pantry, waiting to be eaten during the long cold months. It means that the children will eat fresh, healthy meals, and Nermina can feel proud that she has provided it with her own hands.

“The garden also taught the family self-reliance,” Nermin said. “Esmir still works hard in construction, but the pressure of providing every single meal has been lifted. Nermina feels empowered, knowing she is contributing to the household in a very real way. And the children are learning that food does not just come from a store – it grows thanks to patience, care and love.”

Mission Without Borders works with vulnerable families across Eastern Europe, providing support to help them become more self-sufficient. Join us by sponsoring a family today.