We are delighted to share the story of a project made possible by a £5,000 donation from the Raymond Nicolet Trustto the Vuk Karadzic Center in Sombor, Serbia.
Our funding helped the Center create a new mobile learning space, a welcoming, safe and practical environment where students can learn, work, create and develop skills that will support them both now and in the future.
For students studying Floriculture and Horticulture, the new space has transformed their practical lessons. They can prepare seedlings, transplant plants, create floral arrangements, learn about caring for plants and soil, and develop skills in designing and maintaining green spaces.
But perhaps the best way to understand the difference the new space is making is to hear directly from the students.
M. K., 16:
“I enjoy working with flowers and plants. In the new space, we can prepare seedlings, transplant plants, and make arrangements. I like it because we have enough room to work and everything we need.”
P. T., 17:
“What I like most is learning how to care for plants and make floral decorations. I can concentrate better here and it is easier for me to learn new things.”
A. K., 19:
“Practical training is much more interesting now. We have a space where we can plan our work and prepare materials. It is also nice to see younger students using the space for their activities.”
V. S., 18:
“I like having a place where we can learn and work without distractions. I enjoy making arrangements and learning how to design flower beds and other planted areas.”
J. S., 17:
“We learn a lot about flowers, soil, and planting. The new space helps us organise our work better and complete our tasks more easily. It is great that younger students can also use it when we are not having classes.”
And the impact goes beyond the students studying floriculture and horticulture.
The new space is also being used by younger pupils at the Vuk Karadzic Center for workshops, individual learning, sensory activities and other educational and developmental activities. What began as a space for practical training has become a valuable resource for the wider school community.
The teachers have seen the difference too.
Mirjana, Practical Training Teacher, describes the space as a major improvement in educational conditions. It gives students the opportunity to acquire professional knowledge in an organised and safe environment, while developing precision, responsibility and good work habits. It also makes it easier to connect what they learn in theory with practical experience.
Marijana, Subject Teacher, highlights how the well-equipped and functional environment encourages students’ motivation, creativity and independence, while its multi-purpose nature means younger pupils can benefit through workshops, individual work and activities supporting their development.
And Snezana Padezanin-Budimir, the Center’s Principal, says the new space is helping students develop the responsibility, creativity, work habits and practical skills they will need in their future professional and everyday lives. She also emphasises how the space contributes to the quality of work across the whole Center.
Most importantly, she shared her heartfelt thanks to the Raymond Nicolet Trust for helping to create “better opportunities for the education, development and progress of our students.”
For us, this is what a grant is all about.
A £5,000 donation has helped create much more than a new building. It has created a place where students can learn by doing, discover what they are capable of, develop confidence, and look towards a more independent future.
It is a place where knowledge can take root, confidence can grow, and new possibilities can flourish.
We are very proud to have supported the Vuk Karadzic Center and grateful to the students, teachers, staff and families for sharing these wonderful reflections with us.
Thank you for showing us what can grow when the right opportunities are provided.
