Youth outreach is a big need in the world today so we are devoted to help address this need, as well as unleash their potential!
Project 8 Days
Since 2001 our association organizes volunteer camps in Croatia and Bosnia which last approximately 8 days. These camps offer a profound first hand experience through a direct contact with poverty, with aftereffects of the war (1991-1995), and with situations of extreme hardship. And all that just several hundred kilometres from the “comfort of our homes”. The impression is usually quite shocking and intense. At the same time, it comes with a taste of the ever present hospitality and humanity of the people of these lands. Having had a chance to participate in the various activities, many have found a whole new meaning to their lives as they discover that they too have something to give to others.
The camps include:
- Training seminars for young volunteers
- Practical application by visiting institutions and needy families
- Helping out physically, including smile therapy, painting a mural or fixing up a garden
- Distributing humanitarian aid
- Flash Mob Dance and Free Hugs
Here is video, a collection of the accounts of average people and their experiences in our volunteer work in Croatia and Bosnia:
And one more video document, accounts from volunteers who joined us in our projects:
The program of including young people in volunteer projects continues throughout the whole year, including interactive seminars about volunteering in the schools, followed by a practical application in their neighbourhood. A lot of young people take part in such projects and many change their lives for the better, overcome depression, and find a new meaning of life.
More Information Media Gallery and History
Other News on our Youth Volunteering Program Projects:
Milano Camp, August 4th-10th
Once again, a group came from Milano, some for the 3rd time, others for the first, but all full of … Continue reading →
Open Doors International Camp, July 27th – August 2nd
14 volunteers arrived for a second international camp this year; this time over 10 nationalities were present. In spite of … Continue reading →
Bringing A Smile to Croatia
Please enjoy this video clip taken from the projects we did with “Youth Compass” a few months back.
Continue reading →From Sarajevo to Rijeka with love!
12 Bosnian volunteers rocked our center, plus Rijeka and the surroundings, from 13 to 20 of May! Andrea Capozzi from … Continue reading →
Color and Smiles for the Kantrida Children’s Hospital
Mirta writes: “Fantastic! We needed such a mural… When I was a child I was twice hospitalized (for 2 months) … Continue reading →
International Easter Camp
April vacation this school year came with a whole new opportunity – this time, a group of 60 teenagers and … Continue reading →
Youth Volunteering Program – Clown Therapy
Since our Clown Therapy Seminar in February, we have been taking our new youth “clowns” to various institutions in the … Continue reading →
Youth Volunteering Program – Free Hugs for Womens’ Day
On the 8th of May a group of young volunteers showed women just how special they are by participating in … Continue reading →
2014 Clown Therapy Seminar
On February 15th and 16th Maggie, Elvis and Marina held a 2-day Clown Therapy Seminar in the Student Dorm of … Continue reading →
Free Hugs for Valentine’s Day
Once again, on February 14th, we organized a Free Hugs Campaign in Rijeka with Maggie, Elvis, Marina and local young … Continue reading →