Like most European societies, Serbian population is getting older each year. Social changes, including modernization, have not only resulted in a longer life expectancy, but also changed the public attitude towards elderly. Some negative attitudes are even going to the extent that elderly have become a social problem, and targets of prejudice and disrespect of younger people, even their closest relatives.
Integral part of upbringing and socialization of our children beneficiaries is to raise them in the spirit of good neighborhood relation, empathy, and assistance to those weaker or ill, and to elderly. Our children will always offer help to neighbors who carry heavy bags from the shop, or moving furniture, or need a help to try to start a car with weak battery…
On this occasion children who were on the house balcony have noticed that elderly neighbors are struggling to carry and store firewood. So, they came to the office and asked social worker permit to help them. In a few minutes a small company of children refugees from Syria, Iran, and Afghanistan, came in the yard of the neighbors and started to carry and align firewood in the shed. Elderly neighbors could take a rest, while our boys and social worker have finished job.
Just one proof more that there is no boredom in our Arrupe House. When it tries to sneak in, our boys find a way to get in its way. We are proud of the kind of people our children will grow up to.