For many years Tanja had been leading three houses in Serbia for young adults leaving orphanages and foster care at age 18. Most of these young adults enter life unprepared with all its challenges of finding a job, a place to live, and to handle finances. For Tanja it was clear, that a change was needed. She invited Estera, an adoptive mother of two little girls with disabilities, and with a heart to see more children in families, to join her. Together they invited people from Serbian churches and organisations, as well as foster parents, to attend a round-table event with a small team from WWO Europe, to hear more about the vision of a country Without Orphans. About 20 people participated in person while a few others joined over Zoom at a round-table in June 2023.

The WWO Europe team shared their experiences of building a movement in their own country as well as their personal adoption stories. Many of the participants were touched hearing the vision, as well as the personal stories and many were excited and eager to start working to see a without orphans movement emerge in their own country. Since the event happened, several people have come forward to form a team and carry the vision forward in Serbia.

Feedback from one of the women who organised the round-table in Belgrade, Serbia:
“Everyone was blessed, encouraged, and motivated to make a difference regarding the problem of orphans in Serbia. I also want to tell you on my own behalf that you have been a great encouragement to me. My heart was about to burst with joy and sorrow at the same time. I didn't know what to expect, but it was more than good.”

Organising team from Serbia supported by team members from WWO Europe and Alliance for Romania Without Orphans