Hello! I am Albert, from Spain, a 21 years old and I come from a mechanical background. I studied for a 3 years and worked for 2, but I realized it wasn’t for me; I simply don’t like it. Since I wasn’t having a good time, I decided to look for a new opportunities outside my country, something I’d always wanted to do. That’s when Jitka contacted me for a one-year volunteer position at a kindergarten in the Czech Republic. I’d always loved children and I saw this as a great opportunity. Now, after a month here, I can confidently say I made the right decision. I love the nature and spending time with children in the forest, walking, exploring and doing activities, is incredible. Starting the day with their hugs and smiles makes every day special. The experience at Kalužníček has been very enriching, both for the children and the team. In addition, I am learning a loth, both professionally and personally. I’m improving and learning languages (English and a little Czech) and developing skills like patience and adaptability. I’ve also been very impressed by seeing how children grow in direct contact with nature. I wasn’t raised in an environment like this and I find it a wonderful form of education, where they learn freely and spontaneously. I’ve always lived in the city, but now, after some time in Tišnov, I’m really enjoying the tranquility and closeness of the community. This life change is exceeding my expectations, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this unique experience.🙃

I am Danai, a 28 years old preschool teacher, coming from Greece happily curious to meet you! From a young age we liked with my family to go trips in the nature and until now in my free time I try to spend it there, walking, chilling and discovering new places. These memories and interest led me to choose my master studies being specialized in education for sustainability, given emphasis on outdoor and environmental education. So, after working two years in the public greek school, I decided that I need a break and that I want to experience something different! By different I mean that I was looking for an opportunity to convert my interest for the outdoor/forest education into practice. But why learn outside in the nature…? …Because nature is an environment full of experiential learning opportunities that can support children’s spontaneous expressiveness, empathy, creativity and their endless curiosity and willingness to learn. Also a playful learning with the provision of suitable tools – what kids don’t like to play, explore, get dirty and role playing? – is meaningful for them. A meaningful learning for them I believe that can strengthen their skills for living as thoughtful and active members in tomorrow’s society. So, when I found your website I felt that your community can provide this general educational context. Apart from these, I like to go hiking or riding the bike, I do rock climbing and I try to find ways to get creative during my daily life such as linoleum engraving, cyanotype printing or taking pictures with analog camera. Also it is important for me to find time to relax and spend time with my friends and closest people. That’s all, looking forward to share the rest of it in person! 🙂