Help People with Intellectual Disabilities -Serbia

We at KEC are always excited when a new beneficiary comes to the center. That was very true when Petar started coming a few years ago. Those of us who like foreign rock music, especially hard rock, were happiest. But Petar doesn’t only like hard rock he likes all music so no matter what music we decide to listen to he has a big smile on his face. We are convinced if there was a TV game show for how few bars of music it would take to guess the song Petar would be the winner.

Despite the doctors categorizing Petar’s many disabilities and limitations we find his special abilities much more intriguing. In addition to knowing every song after one or two notes he has the uncanny ability to remember dates and days of events. While he can remember a lot of information sometimes if he takes in too much information at once the wires get crossed and he develops tics. So we keep it slow but at the same we know Petar is remembering what is going on. And when we forget when something happened or where we went, we just ask Petar. He likes to say: “I have a computer in my head.”

Petar always liked music but art wasn’t really his thing until he came to KEC. He and our art teacher really get along so now he even likes the arts and crafts projects. The doctors told his parents a whole list of things that Petar would never be able to do. But with love and patience from his family and KEC he has mastered a lot of skills that they said were impossible. Today he swims, can open and close a bottle, lock and unlock the door, etc. These might seem like small things to you but to those of who love and care about Petar we know how big of an accomplishment each one of those achievements is.

As you all know we are thrilled each time a new face joins our group. But if we are being honest most of the parents and are a little less exciting. Many of them never show up. Some of them even make problems for us. But not Petar’s parents. They are the model of what a KEC parent should be. First and foremost, they love their son very much and you can see that in everything they do. They also recognize how much KEC gives to their son and they want to support the organization in anyway they can. They raise money for KEC from their friends and in their workplaces. Nothing crazy but a little something to help us get that new refrigerator when the old breaks or to make sure there are Christmas presents for all the beneficiaries. More than their financial donation the thing that the KEC crew likes the most is when Petar’s parents come and make lunch. Just for the fun of it they come with all the ingredients and make a full course lunch from soup to dessert for everyone. Then we all eat like kings.

We know that Petar likes to get compliments but we think his parents also deserve a very big one too. Being part of the KEC community means giving back. Both of his parents have been models in that. Now we just need to get some of the others to do the same.

KEC strives to draw out the best of each of our beneficiaries. We work to help them develop as many talents and skills as possible. Sometimes it takes time and other times it takes a minute. When Kosta first came to KEC 6 years ago it was definitely the latter. We knew right away how to connect to Kosta. Although he is severely deaf and has many other limitations as a result of his hearing impairment he is a master with a paintbrush. He came to KEC after he finished a special school for the hearing impaired where they recognized his talent. At KEC we continued to nurture this talent.

He lives at home with his mother father and brother who all appreciate that while he can’t speak with words he can express himself through his art. His father describes Kosta as a young artist “whose story is filled with perseverance, talent and a quiet but strong commitment to art. Although he is hearing impaired, his diligence and inner motivation made him speak most clearly through painting - with the colors, lines and emotions he transfers to the canvas.”

Kosta continued his artistic journey at the Creative and Educational Center in Belgrade, surrounded by assistants who work with him with dedication and understanding. “It was in this inspiring environment”, his mother says, “that many of his most authentic and expressive works of art were created. His story is proof that perseverance and love for creation are always recognized - and that art speaks best where words sometimes fail.” 

This time of year,  Kosta can be found in the KEC center with his paints and brushes painting Christmas tree decorations. Kosta’s unique creations make KEC’s decorations a highly sought after holiday gift.

KEC wishes all of you, our supporters, a happy and healthy holiday. KEC will be full with good cheer this time of year and we wish the same for all of you.