How it all began …

The ancient bridge in Mostar was still standing when MIRACLES’ founder, Theo Ellert first visited Bosnia-Herzegovina on an aid mission in March l993.

In the nearby Shrine of Medjugorje Theo met fellow aid worker, Matthew Procter and their friendship was the basis of MIRACLES’ long-term commitment to help the tragic people of that war-torn country to help rebuild their lives and livelihoods and find hope through the mist of their despair.

From humanitarian work for those in need to caring for refugees and street children …
From orphans’ summer camps to education and apprenticeships…
MIRACLES’ work developed and grew.

At the personal request of the Mayor of Vitez, MIRACLES’ first major project – The MIRACLES Multi-National Youth Centre – grew out of the horrors of ethnic cleansing and the rubble of war to bring together youngsters of all nationalities and beliefs to learn to live together in peace and harmony.

Whilst expanding its work for the homeless, the sick and the victims of war, MIRACLES embraced other projects such as Mostar’s Kindergarten for the Handicapped and the Rehabilitation Centre at nearby Rotimlje.

Then its medevacs increased with more and more cases of landmine victims being taken to the USA for prosthesis and to Spain for specialist burns treatment.

And so to the present and the two major projects which have developed - The Miracles Centre for Prosthesis and Care in Mostar and the Miracles Roma Housing and Education Project in Zenica.

Miracles Mission in BiH urgently needs support. Please read on and help us to achieve our goals.

On 29th September 2010, the British Ambassador to Bosnia, Mr. Michael Tatham, hosted a Reception at his Residence in Sarajevo to raise awareness of the work which Miracles does and to encourage the Bosnian Business world to support its projects.

The Ambassador’s address opened with the following tribute:

“This is a very special event to be hosting for a very special organisation. The British Embassy is hosting this reception for a very distinguished UK charity called Miracles which has provided enormous support to Bosnia and Herzegovina both during the conflict and since.”

He went on to praise the work of our two key projects:

The Miracles Centre in Mostar which, with funding from the International Trust Fund, has already made and fitted over 50 limbs for landmine victims and disabled citizens ....

The Roma Housing and Education Project in Zenica where Miracles, working with Zenica Municipality and the local Roma community has established a Centre which houses 24 children and their carers providing welfare and educational support.

“The Roma community in Bosnia, as elsewhere in Europe, faces particular challenges such as unemployment and access to education,” said the Ambassador, urging guests to consider working with Miracles in support of both vital projects.

Miracles is deeply grateful to the Ambassador and his staff for their dedicated efforts to ensure the success of the Reception from which it is hoped considerable support will flow.

Photographs and information about the Reception have been posted on the British Embassy in Bosnia website.

Photos:
* James Burton, who organised the party, setting up the Raffle and Auction Display.
* Miracles CEO Robert Linley-Munro with Dzemal Klepic, the Embassy Trade and Investment Officer;
* Miracles’ Founder, Theo Ellert with Amela Curic who bought Theo’s two Mostar paintings in the Auction;
* The Ambassador, Michael Tatham, making his address.