U prekrasnom, prirodom okruženom ambijentu Kuće za odmor Kalje, smještene na Žumberku, 28. i 29. ožujka održan je susret u sklopu projekta Paddle for the Earth, kojeg vodi Kajak Kanu Klub Mladost. Domaćin ovog okupljanja bio je Caritas zagrebačke nadbiskupije, koji je otvorio vrata svoje kuće i srdačno ugostio projektne partnere i sudionike.
Ovaj susret bio je i radionica u okviru tematskog modula uključivosti “Mogućnosti za one s manje prilika” (Opportunities for the Underprivileged), koja je omogućila sudionicima razmjenu iskustava i osnaživanje kroz boravak u prirodi i učenje o održivosti.
Unatoč stalnoj kiši koja nije prestajala tijekom oba dana, oko dvadeset sudionika pokazalo je da ni nepovoljni vremenski uvjeti ne mogu umanjiti želju za kretanjem, učenjem i međusobnim povezivanjem. Planinarenje kroz šumu i boravak u prirodi bili su doživljaj ispunjen smijehom, razgovorima i razmjenom doživljaja, a kiša je dodala samo dodatnu dozu avanture.
Kroz radionice o održivosti i inkluziji sudionici su produbili razumijevanje važnosti očuvanja okoliša te kako uključiti različite društvene skupine u aktivnosti na otvorenom. Posebno dragocjeni gosti bili su korisnici Caritasove Kuće za mlade “Da život imaju”, koji su aktivno sudjelovali u svim aktivnostima i unijeli toplinu i otvorenost u atmosferu susreta.
U projektu su, uz nositelja Kajak Kanu Klub Mladost, sudjelovali i partneri iz inozemstva, Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS) te Kajakaško Društvo Brkati Som (KDBS). Razmjena iskustava i ideja između organizacija iz različitih zemalja dodatno je obogatila sadržaj susreta i osnažila transnacionalnu suradnju.
Posebnu zahvalnost dugujemo Caritasu Zagrebačke nadbiskupije, ne samo na gostoprimstvu, već i na pažnji, toplini i organizacijskoj podršci koja je omogućila da se svaki sudionik osjeća sigurno, ugodno i dobrodošlo. Ovakvi trenuci pokazuju koliko je zajedništvo moćno, osobito kada ga prati plemenita svrha, očuvanje prirode i promicanje uključenosti.
Projekt Paddle for the Earth nastavlja dalje s još više energije, motivacije i zajedničkih ideja jer zajedno možemo veslati prema održivijoj budućnosti. Sljedeći susret očekuje nas već 16. i 17. svibnja u Mađarskoj, u organizaciji partnera Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS).
Hiking, Rain, and Positive Energy in Kalje – Paddle for the Earth Moves Forward!
In the beautiful, nature-surrounded setting of the Retreat House Kalje, located in the Žumberak region, a gathering was held on March 28th and 29th as part of the Paddle for the Earth project, led by Kajak Kanu Klub Mladost. The host of the event was Caritas of the Archdiocese of Zagreb, who warmly welcomed the project partners and participants into their home.
This meeting also served as a workshop within the thematic inclusion module “Opportunities for the Underprivileged”, which allowed participants to share experiences and feel empowered through time in nature and learning about sustainability.
Despite the constant rain that didn’t stop throughout both days, around twenty participants demonstrated that even unfavorable weather couldn’t dampen their enthusiasm for movement, learning, and mutual connection. Hiking through the forest and spending time in nature became a joyful experience filled with laughter, conversations, and shared reflections, with the rain only adding an extra touch of adventure.
Through workshops on sustainability and inclusion, participants deepened their understanding of environmental protection and explored ways to involve different social groups in outdoor activities. Especially valuable guests were the young residents of Caritas’s House for Youth “That They May Have Life”, who actively participated in all activities and brought warmth and openness to the atmosphere.
Alongside the lead partner Kajak Kanu Klub Mladost, the project included international partners, the Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS) and the Kayak Club Brkati Som (KDBS). The exchange of experiences and ideas between organizations from different countries further enriched the content of the meeting and strengthened transnational cooperation.
Special thanks go to Caritas of the Archdiocese of Zagreb, not only for their hospitality but also for their care, warmth, and organizational support, which ensured that every participant felt safe, comfortable and welcomed. Moments like this show how powerful togetherness can be, especially when it is driven by a noble purpose, preserving nature and promoting inclusion.
The Paddle for the Earth project continues with even more energy, motivation, and shared ideas, because together, we paddle toward a more sustainable future. The next meeting will take place on May 16th and 17th in Hungary, organized by our partner, the Budapest Association for International Sports (BAIS).
