* Bosnian Community in Qatar has actively been involved in numerous volunteering, welfare and awareness activities
 
 
Bosnian Community in Qatar is a vibrant group of expatriates who have keenly been organising and taking part in different volunteering, awareness, welfare and social activities since coming into being in 2020.
The Bosnian expatriates are motivated by their sense of working towards making a difference for their community and for the society at large in Qatar. To further explore their activities and ideals, Gulf Times recently spoke to Vahid Suljic, founder member of Bosnian Community initiative.
Sharing what led him and his compatriots to form the group, Vahid said: “Qatar is a rare spot on the planet that presents the most beautiful melting pot of cultures, respecting differences, and celebrating diversities. As the Bosnian expatriates in Qatar, we felt honoured to be a part of this diverse and colourful society. The community we live in has a huge influence on us. It fosters safety, responsibility, and sustainability. It is important that we take our community seriously for the greater good of humanity and for our own personal benefit.”
The realisation of helping the community and giving back further pushed the expatriates to have a platform for different welfare activities. “While we may lead busy lives, we believe that helping the community is something that we should always spare time for. Not only does giving back help us feel good, but there are surprisingly many benefits to uplifting those around you. Our Bosnian community essentially values striving for excellence and we act with integrity. Our goals are to get out in the community and make a difference. Contribute a few hours to improve the beauty of the neighbourhood, clean beaches, boost awareness, explore new cultures, and to add value to the society.
“One of the greatest feelings is to know that we are making a difference. Active community contribution is a great opportunity for us, but the best part is to know that we are doing something for others.”
Speaking about when the group was formed, Vahid said: “The Bosnian Community initiatives was founded by me and co-founded by Haris Alisic and Edin Focic in 2020. Our group has more than 500 members. We believe that when we are volunteering our time to support a cause that we are passionate about, is something we will never regret. It enriches our life, familiarises us with local community, and connects us with people and ideas that will positively impact our perspective for the rest of our life.
“We believe that we have a responsibility to leave a legacy of change makers who can shape society, doing remarkable things for people around them. We want to engage and inspire other people to make the changes they wish to see. We want to develop and inspire our kids and family members as well to become a successful change maker and make a positive difference in the society.”
Bosnian Community has been taking part in different volunteering and welfare activities since it was formed. “We have regularly been taking part in bleach cleanup drives at different sites around Qatar. As a community we have also taken part in different tree plantation activities here. Our group members remained very actively involved in distributing and sharing Iftar meals and necessary food during last two Ramadan months. One of the most popular community activities was donating food and bedding for animals at Qatar Animal Welfare Society. The members also walked dogs, cuddled cats, and spent time furthering their understanding of the animals’ needs. We have also been collaborating with the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Qatar for welfare and volunteering activities.”
Regarding the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, the Bosnian expatriate said: “The pandemic has affected majority of our planned activities. Public health restrictions caused by Covid-19 have led to cancellation of many of our events and activities. Many activities have been limited or put on hold. As the pandemic continues, it is important to take care of ourselves and those around us. As restrictions ease, we hope that we will be able to implement the planned activities by the end of the year.”
 
 
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