Searching for a break from a fast-paced city life, I stumbled across the opportunity to volunteer in a forest kindergarten. “Forest kindergarten? What is that?”, I thought to myself. It sounded very appealing, as I wanted to make nature a more integral part of my life. It also seems to align with my values, because the generation to stop the climate crisis is, for sure, going to be the one that holds nature very close to its heart. “So, let’s give it a try”, I though, and applied. Since my arrival, I’m falling more and more for this little spot between the hills, and for all of the kids that I get to meet. I am grateful for each day I get to spend with them, playing and admiring the world, and I keep being inspired by their energy. They make me think: “I never want to be lazy again! I want to capture the day and appreciate it to the fullest!” I am so eager to share with them my creativity and spontaneity, and my love of life. One day, they’ll be all grown up, and they will have their grown-up troubles and worries, but, maybe there will be a little piece of their heart, always dedicated to this present moment, to a smiling friend or stranger, rustling of the wind and the song of the birds, this piece of heart where they can go to be safe and warm, to rest… And I am honoured for this opportunity to help in building this little home. They are for sure helping me build my own.

I don’t know where to start… I am Gencay but you can call me Django. A 24-year-old boy graduated from university and looking for some new adventures to begin. I started looking for opportunities and after a few emails to the organizations, Jitka was the one who commenced my journey to the Czech Republic! At present time, I have been volunteering here for more than 2 months and I started to understand the relative of theory, time is passing so fast in Tisnov 🙂 Volunteering at Kaluznicek has been truly inspiring and fulfilling. Each day spent in the forest with the children has allowed me to witness their natural connection with the environment. Starting our mornings with hugging and catching up. Then I continue the day with walks in the woods, listening to birds, and exploring the changing beauty of nature has been an enchanting experience for both the children and myself. Engaging in games and organizing nature-based activities has brought immense joy to all of us. This experience taught me valuable skills but also contributed significantly to my personal growth. I have learned patience, and flexibility, and gained a deeper understanding of children’s world. Inspired by this experience, I hope to continue focusing on children’s education and their relationship with nature, aiming to contribute more in this field in the future.