The Australian Division of the Bosnia-Hercegovina Children’s Fund (BHCF) was established in 1993 by a small group of Victorians who had visited and met with some of the children and families being housed in refugee camps throughout Bosnia. The group returned to Australia and began the process of establishing a fund through which much needed monetary aid would be channeled.  They formed a small committee to  administer a child sponsorship programme under the auspice of ‘International God-parenthood for Herceg-Bosnian Children’ located in Siroki Brijeg, Bosnia Hercegovina. The President Fr Jozo was the parish priest of Medjugorje when the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary began on 24th June 1981.

In September 1991 Fr. Jozo Zovko was made Guardian and head of the Franciscan Monastery of Siroke Brijeg. He established the International God parenthood Association in December 1992.

It has been more than 14 years since the Balkan’s war ended. However, the needs of the children and families to survive on a daily basis remain great. Many thousands of innocent children and families of Bosnia-Hercegovina to this day continue to suffer both mentally and physically as a result the horrific war and having lost one or both parents.  After serving in the war many of the fathers continue to suffer dreadfully the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. In some cases this has led to men committing suicide leaving their children and families with little or no regular financial aid.

All God-parent payments are forwarded in total by telegraphic transfer to the Associations bank account in Siroke Brijeg.  A bank account is set up for each child and only the parent or guardian may access this account.  The Secretary of the God-Parenthood association in Siroki Brijeg monitors these transactions closely at all times.

The BHCF committee members are all volunteers who give freely of their time and resources.  Our small running costs are raised from membership subscriptions and donations.

You are invited to become god-parents of a Bosnia – Hecegovina child, taking upon yourselves the religious, Christian, moral, spiritual and material obligations that come with this role.  In the Croatian tradition the role of God-parent is extremely important. It encompasses love and friendship, together with spiritual and financial support.

If you would like to help the children and families,  please contact Denise Fowler by email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone (03) 5282 7818.

Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may the peace and blessing of Our Lord Jesus be with you always.

Denise P Fowler (Treasurer)