Unity in Diversity
Welcome to Projekt Duga
Projekt Duga means: Project Rainbow where the rainbow represents a sign of a covenant as we encounter with Noah after the flood. It is the covenant of God with “every living soul” where everyone gets an equal chance to make a new start from His Life. Our project and the name of the project is not related to the LGBTQ movement nor to any other political movement.
Our project is located in the “Kordun” (former Krajina) a deserted region in the interior of Croatia, right on the border with Bosnia.
The region is characterized by the presence of minorities: Serb returnees, Croatian Muslims and Croats who fled from Bosnia after the war.
It is a forgotten region.
In all, a great challenge to work for reconciliation and friendship alliance.
The project has been active since May 1999 and focuses on single elderly people and children and youth.
The project has its own camping area and can accommodate 30 to 50 people, has 3 camping cottages with 6 beds each, a sleeping loft with 16 beds, a converted stable with 9 beds (“Stable of the found sheep”), some caravans, a simple kitchen and café in a stable (“Café Bethlehem”), outdoor terraces with a terrace built two meters high on a tower (“Noah’s Ark”) and a shower building with 4 hot water showers and 8 toilets inside a converted hay barn. The camping area is maintained by the local youth and children of “The Lion Gang” and by the groups that come to visit us.
History
Projekt Duga started in 1999 as an initiative of Dutch and Croatian volunteers from different churches.
At the moment project is mainly supported from the Evangelical Congregation Jonah in Ede but volunteers are participants from different (types of) churches.
Our History
Important milestones in the history of Projekt Duga.
1999
Establishment of Crossroads Foundation and start of Project Duga
Projekt Duga was founded with the goal of promoting unity and cooperation between different population groups in Kordun.
2000
Start of annual children's camps
We expanded our activities to include youth clubs such as a soccer club, carpentry club and beekeeping club but also organize English, computer and sewing classes.
2010
Opening of the Youth Hostel
The youth hostel was opened, allowing young people from different communities to come together and learn from each other.
2015
Launch of Educational Programs
We introduced educational programs focused on peace and cooperation, with workshops and training for all ages.
Impact of Projekt Duga
At Projekt Duga, hundreds of children and youth have participated in our activities since 1999, with many finding direction and faith in often challenging and daunting circumstances.
Our initiatives, create an environment where everyone feels safe to share experiences and grow together.
We organized creative workshops, carpentry clubs, a soccer club, children’s Bible club, sewing classes, computer and English classes, children’s camps, youth camps and so on.
Activities that all strengthened mutual relationships but also stimulated them to seek personal faith and conviction.
Mission trips and group tours
Our group trips are designed for people with a mission who want to contribute to the community and hear the voices of residents.
During these adventure trips, we combine culture, solidarity and collaboration, allowing participants to not only discover new perspectives but also build lasting relationships.
Together, we make a difference and strengthen the communities we visit while sharing valuable memories and experiences.
Support and Facilities
In addition to social activities, Projekt Duga provides essential support and facilities such as a campground and youth hostel.
These facilities are available to all community members and contribute to a sense of belonging.
Educational Programs
Our educational programs focus on children and youth, aiming to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed for a better future.
These programs include tutoring, language instruction and a variety of practical courses.
Current Activities
Projekt Duga continues its mission although its elaboration has changed over the years. Whereas we began by visiting and supporting post-war returnees and thus home care for the elderly, this later became mainly youth work among Croatian, Serb and Bosnian youth. At present, the project site is mainly a youth hostel and camping site for hosting groups of young people from all over the world which has also greatly expanded the living environment of the local youth and thus their future prospects.
Join Project Duga
Join our mission to unite communities and make a lasting impact in Kordun.
Find out how you can contribute to our initiatives and help us make a difference.
