In Novaki, in the Municipality of Dubrava, we carried out the project The Story of he(ART) – the first European Solidarity Corps project ever held in this place. Six international volunteers – Juan Carlos, Isabel Maria, Alexandra, Gabriele, Efstratia, and Julia – connected directly with the local community through creative activities and collaborative work.
The project was designed as a space for encounters between different generations and cultures, in cooperation with the local kindergarten, the Pensioners’ Association of the Municipality of Dubrava, and the wider local community.
Our community engagement began with a clean-up and revitalization of a small outdoor space in the village, by a little lake. The focus was to bring the space back to life and make it a place where people would enjoy spending time, being in nature, meeting, and gathering.
With the local kindergarten Dubrava (Novaki), we collaborated through a creative workshop where volunteers and children got to know each other through play, drawing, music, and movement. The activities were designed and led by our volunteers, with the support of educators Branimir and Milica. The whole session unfolded in a playful and relaxed atmosphere, filled with laughter, creativity, and genuine joy – for both children and adults!
We also enjoyed a wonderful day of interaction with members of the Pensioners’ Association of the Municipality of Dubrava. Our volunteers prepared traditional dishes from their home countries, and together we laughed, shared stories about our cultures, and even sang together! The older participants taught us how to make paper flowers, while we refreshed some of the rooms in the association that needed painting. It was a productive and joyful day that we will remember for a long time!
A special moment of the project was Open Day, an international event we organized in Novaki. The aim was to bring together members of the local community and celebrate different cultures together. Through interactive activities, food, and music, the volunteers presented their countries, and the event was further enriched by the artworks created within the project “The Story of H.E.R.” – a wonderful synergy of creativity and togetherness that made the entire day lively and inspiring.
The Story of he(ART) showed us how collaborative work, play, and creativity can bring together people of all generations. The laughter, colors, smells, and sounds we shared that summer made Novaki a place of meetings and joy. We look forward to creating new moments together!
This project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program. The expressed views and opinions are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union.