Marija is a 13-year-old #GirlHero who lives in an informal settlement in Belgrade. She is exposed to extreme poverty and from the early age she was begging for money on the streets. Marija takes care of her home and the needs of her family, but despite all the difficulties, she is regular in her school, and with the support of her peers and a drop-in shelter for children who live and/or work on the streets, she is managing to overcome all the challenges of life uncommon for a girl of her age.
Today's #GirlHero is supported by the non-governmental "Centre for Youth Integration" (CYI) in Belgrade, Serbia. CYI is an organization that works to improve the position of street-involved children. Principles such as consent, participation, non-judgment and the best interest of a child are at the core of every CYI's program, including the “Drop-in shelter for street-involved children.”  The program seeks to ensure children can access health and social welfare services by connecting them with the relevant institutions. The shelter program also supports children in fulfilling their rights, including their right to receive a good quality education and attend a school where they can participate and be treated equally.
Save the Children is one of the first international donors that recognized the importance of supporting CYI's efforts and has continuously supported CYI since 2006. 
To learn more about "Centre for Youth Integration," their programs, and how to support their efforts go to www.cim.org.rs To learn more about Save the Children’s work in North West Balkans, visit www.nwb.savethechildren.net.
#GirlHero Daily Updates available on Instagram.
(Photo credits: Ivana Patarčić)