At a time when parents find it difficult to decide even on a second child, Aleksandra and Milija have had as many as eleven children. When they were choosing their home, they realized that Serbia had no competition, so they returned from Russia and settled in the village of Stapari near Užice. They based their lives far from city asphalt, in a rural environment where, as they say, they find meaning in work, children, and peace.
Their home is bustling with life – from the youngest baby, just a few months old, to the oldest child, who is over 20 years old. Although daily life is demanding, the family decided to base their existence on domestic food production, primarily for the children.
-I produce food in the village for my children, so they have something healthy to eat. Vegetables, meat, poultry… I also make cheese, and Russian sweets, and homemade ketchup, ajvar, pinđur, yogurt. Everything I can. I don’t do it for money, but so they know what healthy food means and what real life should look like, Aleksandra explains for RINA.
Although she could sell some of her products, she is aware that for a greater profit she would have to use artificial fertilizers and chemicals – something she is not prepared for.
-I leave everything to God’s will. And God always gives us – for the children to be good, and the garden, and the piglets, and the chickens, Aleksandra says with a smile.
Tatjana Macura, Minister without portfolio for gender equality in the Government of Serbia, also visited this family today, emphasizing that such families are the pillar of rural survival and an example of how state and local policies should be directed.
-Not only do they produce food for themselves, but they have made the village come alive again. Their presence has given the village new energy, new life. That’s why we must create an environment where such families can live and develop their ideas, Macura said.
She stated that work will be done on individualizing measures for each multi-member family, to enable them not only to stay but also to survive in the countryside.
Aleksandra, despite everything, is aware of the challenges that life far from urban infrastructure brings.
“Just imagine when I take all eleven of them to the square for a walk. One asks for ice cream, another for juice – I have to give to everyone. These are huge costs, but again, I wouldn’t change this life. We do everything for them.”
At a time when many villages are losing inhabitants, the Stanić family from Stapari is proof that life can return to the Serbian village – but only if there is systemic support, understanding, and, above all, love.
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Source: RINA; Photo: RINA