ČABRIĆ: MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD, BUT WE MUST PROTECT FAMILY VALUES

BANJA LUKA, MAY 14 /SRNA/ – The Minister of Family, Youth and Sports of Republika Srpska Selma Čabrić stated that modern society presents numerous challenges and novelties to families, which should not be accepted just for the sake of trends, but rather adapted to the living conditions and values that exist in each of our families.

Čabrić emphasized the importance of preserving family values and developing family relations. "We are born, grow up, and mature as individuals within the family; it is within the family that we gain our first experiences about ourselves and others, where we develop our identity and sense of belonging," Čabrić told SRNA on the occasion of May 15 - the International Day of Families. She stated that the Ministry's annual work plan includes significant activities aimed at improving the status of families, both through strategic documents in cooperation with relevant entities and through various initiatives that enhance the quality of family life. Čabrić noted that this year, the Ministry is the general sponsor of the Family Festival event during the celebration of the International Day of Families, which will be held tomorrow at the Cultural Centrer plateau in Gradiška. She added that on Friday, May 16, the Ministry representatives will take part in the Big Family Walk event in the municipality of Mrkonjić Grad. Čabrić also highlighted a special form of Republika Srpska's support for unemployed parents with four or more children - recognising their right to financial assistance and corresponding contributions, which directly helps improve the material situation of these families. She stated that as of the end of March, 4,698 beneficiaries had exercised their right to financial support, and BAM 70 million has been allocated for this purpose in the Ministry's budget for this year. According to Čabrić, the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports takes part each year in marking May 15 - the International Day of Families, established by the UN General Assembly in 1993. The International Day of Families was created to raise awareness of the importance of the family, to improve understanding of the socio-economic and demographic trends affecting families, and to seek solutions to the challenges families face today.