The Hastor Foundation takes pride in successful implementation of numerous projects and one with the longest tradition is Summer Holiday in the Netherlands, which the Foundation has been organizing with great pleasure every year with the cooperation with the Dutch organization Stichting Kinderhulp Bosnië. The aim of the project is to provide children from the rural areas and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds with the opportunity to visit the Netherlands, build lifelong friendships, and gain unforgettable experiences. This year, the project was carried in June, and 19 children from Živinice and Tuzla had the opportunity to visit the beautiful land of tulips. They were accompanied by students Aida Buza and Tea Gluvačeviċ, whose reflections we are pleased to share below:
There are moments in life when you do not really know what you are getting yourself into. Sometimes, all it takes is to say “Yes”, pack your suitcase, and step across the threshold into something that, until yesterday, was completely unknown to you. That is exactly how our story began. Without too much planning, but with great deal of curiosity, we accepted an invitation that took us to the Netherlands. At the time, we had no idea that we would return with suitcases full of memories, hearts full of gratitude, and stories that, we are certain, we will be telling for a long time to come.
They say that bird of a feather flock together, and we experienced this in the most beautiful was possible. This journey did not only bring us new places and breathtaking sights, but also people who, although complete strangers at first, quickly became close to us. Sometimes, all it takes is a sincere smile, and a handful of crazy situations to realise that some friendships are not measured by years, but by the feeling that you have known someone far longer than you have. Of course, not everything was always easy. There were moments of figuring things out, improvising, laughing at times when we had no idea what we were doing, and situations that seems a little chaotic then, but have now become some of our favourite memories. It was precisely those moments that reminded us that stepping outside our comfort zone often means stepping into the zone where the most beautiful experiences await. The children hold a very special place in our hearts. It is incredible how such genuine connection can be built in such short time. Their energy, hugs, questions, laughter, and the way they welcomed us made every single day special. Perhaps even more telling is the fact that we spoke about them even when they were not with us – while travelling, during excursions, over coffee, or at dinner. They so naturally became part of our days that it felt completely normal to say, “They would really enjoy this.” That is probably the greatest proof of just how close they became to our hearts. Through all of this, we also got to know the Netherlands – not only its cities, canals, bicycles, and endless plains, but also its way of life, culture, daily habits, and that unique sense of ease that can be felt at every turn. Every excursion was a new story, every walk a new opportunity to lose our way and then find it again, to discover something unexpected, or simply laugh at our own clumsiness. In the end, you realise that travelling is not a collection of photographs that remain somewhere, saved and shared. It is the people you meet, the hugs you carry home with you, the conversations you never forget, and the feeling of returning home at least slightly different than when you left. The Netherlands was more than just a destination for us; it was a reminder that the most beautiful things often begin with a single, spontaneous “Yes”. It brought us friendships, experiences, plenty of laughter, the occasional unexpected adventure, and countless small moments that will forever remain among our fondest memories. If we had to describe this journey in a single sentence, it would be this: “Sometimes. All it takes is a little courage to step into the unknown, because that is often where you discover a part of yourself you didn’t even realise was missing.”
