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If we had to describe the first year of the Nikola Baroš Foundation with a single word, that word would be: LOVE.
Everything we have done, from the very first day, has carried Nikola’s smile and his kindness within it. And in everything we have experienced, we have been surrounded by people who recognized the meaning of allowing a memory to become a good that is shared and carried forward.
In our first year, we did not chase large numbers or quick results. We built trust, relationships, and projects that hold true value for the community.
This is a brief reflection on the first year of the Foundation’s existence.
❤️
FIRST STEPS
The Foundation was first introduced to the public in November 2024, during the promotion of Prijedorski bukvar (Prijedor ABC Book) by author Zoran Stanić, held at the Prijedor Theatre. The illustrations were created by our young and talented Nataša Bubalo, and the evening was further enriched by guitar accompaniment from Draženka Jovičin.
We also announced our first project, the outdoor classroom “Barošica”, at the Elementary School “Dositej Obradović”, the school Nikola attended.
DECEMBER 2024
Only days later, moments began to gather that gave us strength and reassurance:
- The great poet Pero Zubac came among the children.
- We were co-organizers of the literary evening Ovjenčani (The Laureates), with Matija Bećković, Ljubivoje Ršumović, Pero Zubac, and Dušan Kovačević.
- This was followed by Škola ljubavi (The School of Love), with Ršum, Mirjana Bulatović, and musical accompaniment by Milica Milović.
In those days, Prijedor was not merely a city, but a vast, open book.
BAROŠICA
On January 20, 2025, we presented the Foundation’s website and our first major project, Barošica, the first outdoor classroom in the city and beyond.
Throughout 2024 and the beginning of 2025, we raised the planned amount of donations and purchased and paid for all the furniture and materials needed for the steel structure of the classroom.
The remaining materials are currently in the procurement phase, and what we can say with joy is that in the spring of 2026, students will be welcomed into their own open classroom. A place where they will learn more freely and breathe deeply, just as Nikola would have loved.
Our goal was for the work to be completed earlier, but as in life itself, things do not always move at the pace we wish.
FEBRUARY – VISITING FRIENDS
In February 2025, Prijedorski bukvar (Prijedor ABC Book) returned to Nikola’s classroom. We visited his classmates and teachers and gifted them copies of the book, each copy carrying a personal dedication.
MARCH – THE FOUNDATION’S FIRST GIFT
A Japanese cherry tree was planted in the schoolyard, a gift from classmates, parents, and the homeroom teacher.
A simple yet powerful gesture that became a symbol of friendship and lasting connection. A day that will never be forgotten.
MAY – CHILDREN’S DAYS
The Foundation welcomed dear guests from Belgrade, Mirjana Bulatović, Viktor Lazić, and Slađana Bušić.
In just 42 hours, six programs for children took place, reaching every elementary school in Prijedor.
Viktor had a special evening at the “Sreten Stojanović” Gallery.
The program concluded with the promotion of the book Prijedorski bukvar – Prilika za lirika (Prijedorski bukvar – A Chance for the Poet) by Zoran Stanić and Mirjana Bulatović.
All events were held as charity fundraisers.
In addition, in May we had the honor of contributing, even if only in a small way, to the realization of the 2nd Children’s City Olympiad. Organized by our wonderful Kike Tačke workshop, led by Nikolina and Jelena, it allowed us to become part of days filled with play, laughter, and the radiant smiles of the children of Prijedor.
JUNE – KINDNESS THAT FINDS ITS WAY
In June, we were deeply moved by an initiative led by our dear Vesna Ješić.
Without our knowledge, and guided by a generous heart, our fellow citizen Vesna Ješić walked 100 kilometers across England and Greece, raising a significant amount of funds for Barošica.
An act of kindness that found its way to us, and one we will remember for a long time.
JULY – SUPPORT FOR THE KOSTADINOVIĆ FAMILY
In July, we joined the event Zlatne ruke Potkozarja (Golden Hands of Potkozarje) and dedicated a day to the Kostadinović family and their seven children. Through the purchase of handmade items we prepared, our fellow citizens came together to raise 2,343 KM, helping to ease the family’s everyday life, even if only a little.
AUGUST – CREATIVITY ON THE ŠA STREET
In the early days of August, the Foundation joyfully took part in the ŠA Street program.
In front of the Sreten Stojanović Gallery, children expressed their imagination, playfulness, and creativity through drawings and collages inspired by the ŠA Fest theme, bringing brightness and lively energy to the city streets.
Together with the Scout Troop Dr Mladen Stojanović, they painted birdhouses, while in cooperation with the Prijedor Tourist Organization we implemented the ŠA Tourist program. A guide engaged by the Tourist Organization led our youngest visitors through the steps from A to Š of the Prijedor ABC Book (Prijedorski bukvar), inviting them to discover the city through play, creativity, and storytelling.
SEPTEMBER – LEARNING IN THE OPEN AIR
Autumn welcomed us into nature. For one day, the classroom moved outdoors. Eighth-grade students spent the day at Kapela, at the Scout Camp “Mladen Stojanović”, where they learned, spent time together, and enjoyed meaningful time in the open air.
NOVEMBER – SUPPORT FOR YOUNG TALENTS
In November, at the International Theatre Festival in Prijedor, the Foundation joined in supporting young talents and awarded a financial prize to Đorđe Velimirović of the National Theatre of Priština (Gračanica), who was recognized by the professional jury as Best Young Actor.
For us, this was an opportunity to affirm talent, artistry, effort, and dedication.
A CALL THAT DEEPLY MOVED US
And then came a special surprise, a great and completely unexpected recognition.
From Belgrade, from Zvezdara Theatre, we received a call that deeply moved us. Four distinguished literary figures, Matija Bećković, Ljubivoje Ršumović, Pero Zubac, and Dušan Kovačević, came together for a shared evening of poetry and decided to donate half of the ticket proceeds to our Foundation.
For us, this was a great honor and a confirmation that what we do is recognized beyond our city and our country.
That support became the starting point for the Foundation’s next project, the Children’s Creativity Festival “Zvezdara”.
In the spring of 2026, we will, for the first time, bring together young creators and all those who wish to encourage children’s creativity and the joy of creation.
The festival will be a place of encounter, learning, and inspiration, where children will have the opportunity to share their talents.
We hope the festival will become a tradition.
CONCLUSION
Over the past year, we have learned that good takes root where it is planted with care. That people know how to recognize sincerity. That grief can be transformed into a living movement that reaches others. And that above all, Love must be protected and gently carried forward.
The first year of the Nikola Baroš Foundation was a year of encounters, trust, and shared steps.We did not move quickly. We moved with care. Every gathering, every book, every tree planted, and every child’s smile affirms that we have chosen the right path.
Our deepest thanks go to everyone. To the friends, donors, and volunteers who gave their time and their hearts to support all that we do. Without their love and dedication, the Foundation could not have brought so many beautiful things into being.
At the beginning of 2026, we will publish a complete financial report, because we guard trust as one of our greatest values.
We continue forward, step by step, together with all those who believe in us and in the quiet, steady good that remains long after it is given.
Everything we do, we do in Nikola’s name.
And we do it with Love. ❤️
Nikola Baroš Foundation
