The first Bosnian SOS family was established in Sarajevo on 19 June 1997. SOS mother Fikreta Tucak says she will remember this date for as long as she lives. "Because on that day my dream came true... I became a mother." She talks about her motherhood.

How did you become an SOS mother?

It was couple of years after the war. I saw an advertisement in the paper and I immediately knew this is a job for me. I don't like calling it a job though, being an SOS mother is my life. Anyway, I passed the training and I was informed that I would be the first one to get children. I couldn't have been happier. Motherhood was my dream. The day my first children came, 19 June 1997, is like my second birthday.

Tell us some more about your second birthday?

With the social workers, I went to pick up Armin and Vermina from the Sarajevo orphanage. I saw the two of them coming towards me. I had visited them before, but this moment... How would they react? Armin hugged me and he said 'you are my mum'. Vermina stood aside smiling shyly. I went to her and she took my hand. The three of us walked back holding hands. I was so proud. I wanted to tell everyone "look, these are my children!" That's how my family was born.

The village wasn't. You lived in rented flats until construction was finished. What was it like?

You'd think hard, but I had my hopes up. It was a time of beginnings. The city was beginning to recover. The people were beginning a new life in peace. The SOS Children's Village [Sarajevo] was beginning to grow and my family was beginning to come together. For me it was a promise for bright future. The co-workers were always around. I had Hidajeta, the second SOS mother, living in the flat above mine. We helped each other. She got her children couple of months later. Ah, we were one noisy bunch when we went around town.

When you moved to the village in February 1998 you got five more children. How do you handle a full house?

Very easy, with five more reasons to be happy! Like any family, we had our share of ups and downs. My priority was always to make my children feel loved and safe. I taught them they can trust me and turn to me for anything. With me, their mother, they might not always find approval, but they'll always find acceptance and forgiveness. They're in my heart and in my mind 24 hours a day. They know they'll stay there forever.

Have you given any thought about your own future?

If I'm given a second chance, I'd become an SOS mother again. I wouldn't hesitate one second. When I retire I will become a professional grandmother (laughs). I look forward to the visits of my children and their children. In twenty years I want to take care of my grandchildren while Armin is on a business trip, Vermina is giving a concert, Arijana is performing, Emir is playing football, Arnela is teaching, Alma and Neira are designing clothes. Come back to me in twenty years for the list, I have place in my heart and in my mind for many more children.

You've been in the village since day one. Could you compare then and now?

If I say today is better it doesn't mean yesterday was worse. It means today gave us one more day filled with affection, laughter, friendship, a few tears and worries, a mild reprimand and a kiss goodnight.