In our fast-paced lives, we often overlook the importance of nature and physical activity.
Valentina Drolc from Lukavac, a participant in the Learn, Think and Act! training and her local civil initiative “You Can Have Wings,” reminded us of the individual’s power to effect positive change in their community. Valentina organized a wonderful activity in nature – horse riding for children from Lukavac and Tuzla who created some beautiful memories that day.
Valentina Drolc exemplifies how to learn, think, and act for the benefit of the community. Her initiative “You Can Have Wings” inspired young people and children from Tuzla and Lukavac and showed how volunteering, creativity and caring for others can result in unforgettable moments and opportunities for young people.
The horse riding activity, organized by Valentina, served as a perfect opportunity for children from these areas to experience something new. In addition to helping develop motor skills and balance, riding also has a positive impact on emotional stability and self-confidence. Valentina recognized the importance of this activity and decided to bring it to the youth in her community. This activity was fun and exciting, but also offered health benefits. Valentina allowed children and young people to experience firsthand the benefits of horse riding, which include improving coordination, balance, and boosting emotional well-being. In addition to horseback riding, the children participated in a creative activity making special cakes for the horses using fresh fruit and oats. The creative activity not only added an element of fun but also taught children responsibility towards animals and the importance of a healthy diet.
“After completing the activity, I realize how meaningful this project was to me. I didn’t fully grasp its significance until we started implementing it. I was nervous, but when I started working together with the children who were so cooperative, all the fear melted away. From all this, I’ve learned that making a great project happen doesn’t have to be hard. At first, I was skeptical because we don’t have the same resources as larger riding schools. But I’ve learned that creativity and believing in yourself are crucial. This could be the start of something big,” said Valentina.
Valentina Drolc’s initiative shows how kindness and care for others can make a big difference in people’s lives. Riding horses enriched the lives of children and young people from Tuzla and Lukavac, while also promoting awareness about the importance of volunteering, nature, and caring for animals. This example demonstrates how each of us can become a catalyst for positive change in our community, inspiring others to join us and serving as role models for those who believe in the individual’s power to make a difference in the world.
Valentina’s work reminds us that even little wings can create big changes!
This initiative is implemented in partnership with the organization Search and Rescue Service Soda from Lukavac, with mentoring and financial support from the Institute for Youth Development KULT.
