Zadnji prostovoljec je odšel, projekt Evropske solidarnostne enote (ESE) se je za KNOF po 14 letih zaključil. Ne kot začasna prekinitev, temveč kot naravni konec poti, ki smo jo skupaj prehodili – in ki je oblikovala našo organizacijo, ekipe in vsakega posameznika, ki se nas je dotaknil s svojo prisotnostjo.

Od prvega dne, ko je leta 2011 Axel iz Francije prispel z idejo o 2nd hand butikih, preko Nine, ki je kot prva nadaljevala pot v KNOFu z redno zaposlitvijo, pa vse do zadnjih dni zadnjega udeleženca – vsak izmed vas je pustil svoj odtis. Okrepili smo prisotnost na družbenih omrežjih, posodobili spletno stran, razvili Redesign linijo oblačil, testirali nove materiale, preizkušali noro dobre ideje in se skupaj učili, kako nekaj narediti iz (skoraj) ničesar. Kako ustvarjati s srcem, rokami in včasih tudi z veliko potrpežljivosti.

Nekatere ideje so zaživele in postale del KNOF-ove zgodbe. Druge niso nikoli ugledale luči sveta – a vsaka je prispevala delček k temu, kar smo danes.

Kot organizacija se razvijamo v novo smer, zato se ESE program v tej obliki ne bo več izvajal. A naša vrata ostajajo odprta. Za vse mlade, ki želite preizkusiti svoje ideje, ki iščete prostor, podporo ali preprosto ljudi, ki verjamejo v vas – bomo našli poti, kako vas podpreti skozi druge programe in priložnosti.

Tudi zame osebno se zaključi eno posebno obdobje. Biti koordinatorka tega projekta je bilo hkrati najlepše in najtežje. Vsak prostovoljec je s seboj odnesel košček mojega srca, in čeprav sem pogosto čutila odgovornost in težo vodenja, je prevladovala hvaležnost. Za vse skupne trenutke, ideje, sprehode, krizne sestanke in skupne zmage.

V KNOF-u me čakajo novi izzivi – kot vedno jih ne zmanjka. Ampak danes si dovolim trenutek, da rečem samo hvala.
Za zaupanje. Za pogum. Za smeh in vztrajnost.
Pošiljam velik objem vsakemu od vas – in ja, pričakujem vsaj nekaj vabil na poroko! 🙂

Vaša,
Doroteja

When One Chapter Ends: Thank You for Co-Creating It With Us

The last volunteer has left, and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project at KNOF after 14 years has come to an end . Not as a temporary pause, but as the natural closing of a path we walked together – a journey that shaped our organisation, our teams, and every individual whose presence touched us.

From the very first day, when in 2011 Axel arrived from France with the idea of second-hand boutiques, to Nina, who became the first to continue her path at KNOF through regular employment, and all the way to the final days of our last participant – each of you left a mark.
We strengthened our social media presence, updated our website, developed a Redesign clothing line, tested new materials, explored wildly creative ideas, and learned together how to make something out of (almost) nothing. How to create with heart, hands, and – sometimes – a lot of patience.

Some ideas came to life and became part of the KNOF story. Others never saw the light of day – but each one contributed to who we are today.

As an organisation, we are evolving in a new direction, and so the ESC programme will no longer continue in this form. But our doors remain open. For all young people who want to try out their ideas, who are looking for a space, for support, or simply people who believe in them – we’ll find ways to support you through other programmes and opportunities.

For me personally, this also marks the end of a very special chapter. Being the coordinator of this project was both the most beautiful and the most difficult role I’ve held. Every volunteer took a piece of my heart with them, and while I often felt the weight and responsibility of leadership, gratitude always prevailed. For every shared moment, idea, walk, crisis meeting, and win.

New challenges are waiting for me at KNOF – there’s never a shortage of those. But today, I allow myself a moment to simply say: thank you.

For your trust. For your courage. For your laughter and perseverance.

Sending a big hug to each of you – and yes, I’m expecting at least a few wedding invites! 🙂

Yours,
Doroteja