Hi, my name is Helena and I am a member of the Charity Association “Kolajna ljubavi”. And this is my story. It all started with my desire to go to the orphanage in Tanzania. I remember my first coming to the association. Ivana (the president of the association) welcomed me and briefly explained what they are doing and what conditions I have to fulfill in order to go to Tanzania. These were some volunteer hours I had to do, a volunteer course and some psychological testing ... It seemed soooo much to me(!!) And so I started ... The first joint meeting, the new people who know each other already and I. Even after a few minutes I felt like I was with them for a long time. One very comfortable, warm, bright and positive atmosphere placed me on an empty chair among them and so I became one of them - one of the volunteers who care for children in orphanage in Tanzania and in home for children with special needs in Zagreb. Through a volunteer course that was a condition for volunteering in Tanzania, I began to volunteer at Dubrava Education Center. Dubrava Education and Training Center is intended for education and rehabilitation of children and young people with motor disorders and chronic illnesses that can be properly trained for occupations by regular, tailor-made and special programs. I have never volunteered anywhere or encountered so close to children and adolescents with motor disorders and chronic illnesses. And so the first day came to go to Dubrava. I went without any expectations but with great curiosity how our workshop with the children would look like. The six of us (volunteers) entered the room of the center where the children have welcomed us. Each of them had their own live story through which they have passed. At the first workshop, we had an opportunity to get know each other while playing social games, helping each other around homework, doing theme workshops, taking walks ... Those kids are wonderful!! So positive, persistent, clever, honest, good-natured ... There were the moments when I came there all sluggish and dejected but they have lifted and cheered me up instantly!! ... That inner energy and happiness they spread all around and pass on to others is so strong! When you are with them you just can’t be sad or worried because they simply radiate the warmth and happiness that passes on you. So Sunday after Sunday, the day has come when some of them, who were graduating, completed their high-school. And what’s the best way to end up with school, but with a celebration. I can say that I was honored to participate in their maturation in the most beautiful way - as a companion. That was a cheerful evening that lasted long into the night. As long as the band played, everyone was dancing on the podium. Neither wheelchairs were an obstacle to dancing. We all have some difficulties in life. Some of them are visible to others, some are not. But at the end of the day, we are all actually the same. When I say difficulties I don’t think just about illness, but about the situations we are all facing in our lives. We should all try to look more positively in such situations, the way these wonderful big children do. They can be a positive example for us all in many things, but I will highlight my two favorites: positive attitude and perseverance - and then everything is possible! by Helena Pilski