
Although the newly inaugurated centre is designed to accomodate some 60 fully active members, the total number of elderly citizens that will be able to use the centre's services on a daily basis, is much higher. The facility will offer to the elderly population, one of the most vulnerable population groups in the country, an opportunity to socialise and engage into a number of creative and cultural group activities, attend courses and meet experts from different fields to learn more about active and healthy living.
Joseph Guntern, Director for Cooperation in the Embassy of Switzerland to Bosnia and Herzegovina, stated that the main reason why the Swiss Government decided to support this project is that in many societies in Europe, BiH being no exception, the population is rapidly aging. On the other hand, he emphasized that senior citizens have valuable experience and, provided they remain active, they have still much to offer to their communities.
Nedžad Koldžo, the Mayor of Novo Sarajevo Municipality, noted that with this project the municipality's senior citizens have been put on par with other population groups in terms of care provided by the municipal administration.
Elmedin Konaković, the Prime minister of Canton Sarajevo, praised the local communities in the Canton for puting such projects into practice. He stated that municipalities Centar and Novi Grad announce similar projects for senior citizens.
Suada Filipović, a member of the Center, stressed how much the existence of such facilities mean not only for the beneficiaries but also for their families. “Our children do not need to care so much about us anymore, and they can now focus on their work and their families”, she noted.