Doboj, Bosnia and Herzegovina — December 5, 2025
A major redevelopment project is underway at the Duje Center in Doboj as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joins IFS-Emmaus in constructing new, safer residential facilities for some of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most vulnerable citizens.
Local and national officials, community leaders and representatives of the Church gathered at the center on December 5 for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of the reconstruction of the first of three residential buildings.
The Duje Center, operated by IFS-Emmaus, provides long-term accommodation and care for nearly 500 elderly and disabled individuals from across the country. Since opening in 2004, the center’s aging facilities have struggled to meet increasing demand and modern care standards. Many rooms designed for two residents now house four; walkways lack accessibility, and structural issues, including outdated materials, require urgent attention.
“Today we begin an important step toward building a modern facility that will significantly improve the living conditions of our residents and provide better conditions for care,” said Mersiha Imamović of IFS-Emmaus.
- Elder-James-W.-McConkie,-Europe-Central-Area-Presidency-member,-speaks-at-the-announcement-of-the-new-renovation.
- The-kitchen-where-the-meals-are-prepared-for-the-beneficiaries.-The-ventilation-system-and-the-kitchen-renovation-were-recently-funded-by-the-Church,-as-well-as-the-space-in-the-hall-that-serves-as-a-cafeteria.
- This-building-shows-the-current-state-of-one-of-the-Duje-Center-premises.
- Attendees-at-the-announcement-of-the-renovation.-
- Mersiha-Imamovic-(Sector-for-Development-and-Cooperation,-IFS-EMMAUS)-speaks-at-the-annoucement-of-the-renovation.
- Tarik-Smailbegovic-(Advisor-of-the-Federal-Minister-of-Labour-and-Social-Policy)-addresses-the-meeting.-
- Doboj-Istok-Mayor-Kemal-Bratic-address-the-attendees-at-the-groundbreaking.
- Group-picture-at-the-foundation-stone-of-Doboj-dormitory-renovation,-2025.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The newly rebuilt dormitory, funded by the Church, is expected to be completed within 13 months. The modern two-level building will accommodate up to 56 residents, offering improved accessibility, safety and comfort. With this support, IFS-Emmaus has also finalized plans to renovate the remaining two dormitories.
Kemal Bratić, Mayor of the Municipality of Doboj Istok, praised IFS-Emmaus’s long-standing service and thanked the Church for recognizing and supporting the organization’s humanitarian mission.
“There will surely be many books written about IFS-Emmaus and the welfare projects they have done for this community,” he said. “We are grateful to the Church for helping those in need.”
Residents of the center also shared their appreciation. Marima, one of the beneficiaries, expressed special thanks to the Church “for investing hope and resources in a project that will ease life and improve our stay in this community.”
The Church and IFS-Emmaus have collaborated for years on projects supporting education, health, and community development throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Previous joint initiatives include the reconstruction and equipping of primary schools, donation of medical equipment to health centers in Konjic and Jablanica following the 2024 floods, improvements to community infrastructure, including heating systems, kitchens and gardens, and support for immigrant care, basic-needs programs and volunteer service involving missionaries and local Church members.
Elder James W. McConkie III, a General Authority Seventy of the Church, participated in the ceremony and emphasized the shared values that unite the Church and the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He highlighted the Savior’s second great commandment, “to love thy neighbor”, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside partners who care deeply for the vulnerable.
“Thank you for being the kind of people who care about the poor and the needy, about your neighbors, your brothers and sisters,” Elder McConkie said. “Thank you for allowing us to join you in this great work.”