Mô hình tham khảo 1 GREENVILLE Eco Educational Farm

Dear international partners,

In Association Pozitiva Samobor in Croatia, after 10 years of successful work with children and young people we decided to start our own Eco educational farm Greenville - a rural property with accommodation, workspace and agricultural land that will be home of our future Erasmus+, ESC and local projects.

Currently we have an ongoing crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter platform, through which we offer various services provided by Eco educational farm Greenville (teambuilding, organizing a project, visit and gastro experience, participation in programs etc.) in order to raise funds to build a space for workshops for children and youth on our farm.

Hereby we would like to invite you to support the campaign even with a small donation (a dollar means a lot!) and contribute to building an international workshop space where we will gather youth from all across Europe. Since 2021., on the farm we have hosted 6 Erasmus+ projects with over 180 young people.

You can read more about the project and find the campaign here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/greenville/greenville-eco-educational-farm

If you are interested, for a donation of 25 USD you can buy a personalized brick on the wall of our farm with the name of your organization / your name on it, and hopefully visit it during one of our upcoming projects!

Furthermore, as we are accredited Erasmus+ and ESC organizations we have plenty of upcoming projects in which you can take part as a partner.

We hope you will recognize the value of Greenville and support us in reaching the goal - we are looking forward to cooperation with your organization!

Best regards,
--
Marko Babić
Logistic Manager
Office: Vrhovčak 26A, Samobor
marko@pozitivasamobor.hr
+385952131411

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/greenville/greenville-eco-educational-farm

Story

STRETCH GOAL UNLOCKED!

3D rendering of a pony shelter on our farm

Dear people - dear family, friends, co-workers and all those who believed in this story - thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us achieve the goal of the campaign and for supporting the construction of workshops for children and youth on our farm!

There is little left until the end of the campaign and we believe that together we can achieve another additional goal - for an additional $ 1,500 we will build a garden house /pony shelter and adopt a pony on our farm!

Help us enable the pony to get a new home, and children and young people to learn how to take care of domestic animals as part of our programs on the farm!

Let's achieve the goal together!

YOUR INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

If we want to preserve our planet and natural world for the next generation, what better way could there be, than by engaging children and young people in sustainability? By building Greenville together, we can create environmental ambassadors of the future.

Greenville is designed as an ecological educational farm located in the heart of Croatia, in the rural surroundings of the picturesque town of Samobor. The farm covers 1964 m2 of land and will contain a residential house with 21 beds, indoor and outdoor workspace, garden, orchard, smart greenhouse, recreational park and facilities for domestic animals.

3D rendering of the farm (residential building & garden)

Can you imagine a rural oasis where you can experience all the charms of life in nature, starting with growing your own organic food, caring for animals and recreational activities on the picturesque glades, away from the city bustle and stress? You can pick fruit directly from the tree and learn how to prepare the winter stores, create your own recipes from organic ingredients from the farm garden, as well as grow your own flower garden and track its progress.

Imagine happy children's smiles exploring all the benefits of the farm and stopping to look at an insect hotel, birdhouse or pet one of the domestic animals - what a significance this can have for their personal growth and developing a sense of gratitude for the nature around them!
3D rendering of the farm (outdoor space)

Behind the development of the farm stands the Association for Sustainable Development Pozitiva Samobor, an NGO from Croatia that has been implementing programs for children and youth since 2011 with the goal to connect them with nature, develop their environmental awareness and skills they need to live actively, healthily and sustainably.


We need your help to develop Greenville as a rural education center where visitors (primarily children and young people) will develop their skills through a range of outdoor activities, such as:

- workshops on gardening, flower garden design and orchard maintenance;

- farming workshops (organic and sustainable growing methods, agricultural landscaping);

- workshops on recycling and proper waste separation;

- activities for preservation and restoration of natural heritage (restoration of wells, clearing of forests);

- STEM workshops on the use of technology in organic farming;

- sports and recreational activities (competitions in rural sports, hiking, team sports);

- events aimed at promoting ecological tourism, sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle (fairs and events);

- Erasmus+ international mobility projects.

In Pozitiva, we believe that farming and growing food with our own hands can truly change new generations, motivating them to act ecologically in schools, workplaces and local communities, and making them proud of their own work. Also, such activities influence the creation of a positive perception of young people about engaging in occupations that promote sustainable development and a healthy lifestyle.

THE HEARTS BEHIND THE IDEA

In 2011, Pozitiva Samobor was created as an organization whose goal is to create programs that improve the quality of life of citizens, primarily children and youth, in the local community. Since then, more than 1000 participants took part in our local and international projects which resulted in building their personal and professional competences, enhancing their social inclusion, increasing their career prospects, discovering their talents and empowering them to take meaningful actions.

We feel responsible to take part in sustainable development of the world, and it has always been a core value of our work. Within our programs, we focus on promoting environmental awareness, protection and co-existence with nature, eco-friendly practices and social awareness.

Our work has always been aimed at those individuals who have fewer opportunities, in order to strengthen their personal skills, promote their social inclusion and empower them to become equal and accepted members of the community. Our greatest reward is changing the lives of our participants for the better. In our work we include children and young people without adequate parental care, young people with special needs, unemployed beneficiaries of social assistance and we are socially sensitive to all those who need help and support.

Behind us are years of successful work, and these are just some of our achievements:





Starting from a group of young enthusiasts and volunteers, our organization has developed into a training ground for young people that is recognized both nationally and internationally, especially in the field of Erasmus+ program in which we actively develop and implement projects.

Some of our most prominent partners are:

Our partners

The members of our Greenville development team are highly motivated individuals with a wide range of skills in the areas of project management, marketing, economics, law, electrical engineering and construction. Our diversity in skills, but unity in vision allows us to work together to create magical results.

Here is our team:

Pozitiva Team

HOW IT ALL STARTED

So far, we have implemented our programs in different locations, taking into account the available opportunities and needs of the participants. However, we have long been developing a vision of starting our own rural education center where we will be able to promote sustainable practices and create a magical space for personal growth and development of the youngest members of our community. And not just them, but all individuals and organizations that can benefit from participating in our programs.

Therefore, in 2020 we invested all of our organizational resources into a property in the small village of Vrhovčak (in Samobor, Croatia).

Greenville residential building in current condition

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

Vrhovčak is a small village near Samobor, located 2 kilometers from its center. It has a population of only 344, most of whom are elderly people who come from several indigenous families. However, due to its favorable geographical position, surrounded by nature and increasing number of tourist facilities, today Vrhovčak is a desirable destination for young families and visitors.

The history of the village says that its inhabitants were mostly engaged in agriculture, livestock breeding and winemaking. Although they live in a rural environment, the inhabitants of Vrhovčak have always considered themselves true citizens of Samobor - the City with which they are inextricably linked administratively, geographically and socially.

Today, Vrhovčak is a place for tasting local wine and brandy, staying in nature, enjoying natural sights and for unavoidable entertainment. In addition, we want to make it a place to educate young people and connect them with nature, which will further strengthen our small rural community.

THE FARM

In 2020 and 2021, the diligent hands of Pozitivas’ young team took significant steps to create Greenville. The association acquired 1964 m2 of land with an existing residential building and an auxiliary building for the garden, indoor work space and agricultural land.

Vlado Odribožić, President of Pozitiva Samobor (at Greenville garden)

All available organizational funds were invested in arranging and equipping the property (arranging dormitories and toilets, introducing sustainable energy sources, arranging workspaces, agricultural landscaping).
Lounge area
Bedroom
Bathrooms
Bedroom
Bedroom

The property currently contains:

- residential building with accommodation for 21 people and internal work space and toilets;

- small orchard with organically grown domestic fruit varieties;

- vegetable garden with 10 raised beds;

- barbecue and firepit;

- a spacious meadow for holding outdoor workshops.

Today, we have a great vision to make this property a rural farm called Greenville as a training ground for environmental ambassadors of the future.


An important incentive to our project was its recognition by the non-profit sector of Erste Bank, who provided us with a loan as an investment in equipping the educational center. However, it covered only a part of the costs that are necessary to open the center as the functional space that is fully prepared for the participants and programs they will take part in.

Despite the investment of all resources (especially human and financial), it is still not enough for us to put the farm into full operation. Therefore, we need your help to achieve this goal!

THE CAMPAIGN


We will use the funds raised through this campaign for the purpose of arranging and equipping the workspace that we need for the implementation of our programs and workshops. Namely, Greenville currently has an internal common space that we use for serving meals and socializing, but we are extremely limited in terms of space in which we would have equipment (chairs, tables, conference equipment, materials, etc.) to carry out our activities. For now, we use the space in the Community Center located near the farm, but we cannot count on it being always available when we need it. Also, our own workspace would contribute to the quality of our programs and logistically improve their implementation.

In addition, the interior space that we already have would be arranged as a restaurant space for our groups, excursionists and all of you who want to visit us and enjoy the gastronomic offer and pleasant company!

3D rendering of residential building with wooden canopy

Arranging the workspace includes a construction of a wooden canopy over the outer part of the terrace and external stairs, and is comprised of the following costs:

- wooden beams and planks for the base of the canopy = 7.000 USD

- canopy cover (tile) = 3.000 USD

The full amount we need to be able to build the workspace is 10.000 USD.

In addition to the above, we must also take into account the coverage of costs such as card business costs, crowdfunding platform fees and tax costs. Therefore, the final amount we need to collect to be able to successfully finish our project is 12.500 USD.

As this is all-or-nothing campaign, it is important that we collect the full amount to be able to use it to reach our goal.

3D rendering of residential building with wooden canopy

Any additional funds raised will give us the wind in our sails and allow us to develop additional facilities on the farm:

- arrangement of the outer thermal envelope of a residential building (facade) = 5.000 USD;

- laying tiles in a new workspace (material and work) = 3.000 USD;

- outdoor fireplace (3.300 USD);

- construction of garden house & shelter for pony = 1.500 USD;

- arranging and equipping the kitchen = 6.000 USD;

- arranging paths and lighting to the garden, greenhouse and playground = 2.000 USD;

- arranging a fence around the farm = 3.000 USD.

3D rendering of the outdoor space - firepit, shelter for animals and garden

WHAT DO YOU GET

In crowdfunding, campaign supporters get something back in gratitude for their selfless support. These are so-called awards or perks, which are most often products or services whose marketing is financially supported through the campaign itself.


To thank you for being with us and to invite you to visit Greenville, we have designed and offered a range of different awards for you to choose from when donating to the campaign.

Check the offer and choose something to enjoy! Because happiness is greatest - when we share it with each other.






HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN?

WHAT IF WE DON'T REACH THE GOAL

There is no what if - we can open Greenville only with your help!

We are going for all or nothing - if the campaign does not achieve the set goal, it will mean further delay of work and prevent us from contributing to the community with our programs.

This is especially difficult for us in challenging times when we do not have additional financial resources available to complete the work ourselves.

We are ready to work and create, as we have done so far. That is why we need your help and investment in creating a sustainable future for children and young people, for you, for the community.

Every donation is important to us and represents a small step in achieving a great goal. We will be immensely grateful to you if we make it happen together!

THE IMPACT

By supporting this project, you will play an important role in developing the young leaders of the future and contributing to the healthy and quality growth of the youngest members of the community. Every seed of knowledge planted on our farm will develop into a solid plant of environmental awareness for the future generations. In this way, by supporting this campaign, you are directly contributing to the preservation of our planet and the development of a healthier future for all of us.

Your contribution will enable the inclusion of particularly vulnerable social groups in our future programs, which will achieve extremely important benefits for their personal growth and development, such as: children and young people without adequate parental care, young people with special needs, unemployed beneficiaries of social assistance and the elderly.

Imagine the charms that staying in a quality, stimulating environment in nature can have for such individuals. Imagine grandparents teaching children and young people how to plant and maintain a garden, children’s adventures on the glades of our farm while feeling safe and accepted; imagine the escape from everyday life that this place can represent. Imagine Greenville.

3D rendering of Greenville - residential house with outdoor space

Completion of landscaping and equipping with funds from this campaign will allow us to focus all efforts on the implementation of local and international programs and activities on our farm.

Your contribution will make possible:

- implementation of 6 international and 25 local programs per year in the areas of environmental protection, sustainable development, gardening, use of technologies in bio cultivation,

- filled hearts and developed competencies of over 300 children, youth and other individuals and organizations in activities on the farm annually;

- a new home for 1 pony, 2 cats and 1 dog who will become permanent residents of the farm;

- a new touristic content based on the principles of ecological tourism and sustainable development, which will offer visitors enogastrological, sustainable, educational, adventurous, sports and cyclo component;

- contribute to the revitalization of the rural environment and investment in its natural and cultural heritage.

As far as the qualitative impact is concerned, the beneficial effect of spending time on our farm will be visible in a number of aspects, from reducing stress levels, anxiety and depressive symptoms, to balancing mood and a general sense of well-being of the participants. The nature exposure will foster participants’ connection with nature and willingness to perform pro-environmental behaviors.

It will encourage more generous, positive social behaviors, because nature and outdoor education will take participants out of their own heads. Therefore, they will be able to focus on something bigger than themselves. When they notice the beauty of the world around them, they will naturally feel a sense of thankfulness and appreciation.

RESOLUTION Z

With our everyday work and activities, we want to contribute to the sustainable development of the world around us. That is why we have become a proud friend of Resolution Z, the largest environmental action in Croatia developed with the aim of raising awareness of environmental protection and preservation as well as encouraging individuals to actively engage and consciously participate in environmental protection.


Due to the growing consequences of climate change caused by human activity, which are becoming more visible, the Resolution Z project shows how much the topics related to the environment, ecology and environmental awareness are much needed. The main focus of the project is to connect specific socially beneficial environmental activities and through them to influence the general public and actively spread awareness about the environment and its protection.


Together with other organizations throughout the Republic of Croatia, we will organize clean-up actions and raise awareness of sustainable development. Greenville will open its doors to volunteers and become a place to develop their knowledge and competencies and to actively contribute to the ecological future of the community.

OUR SUPPORTERS

Our work has been recognized by numerous local, national and international stakeholders who support us through (co) financing programs and promoting the results of our projects. They are:


They say that a good voice is heard far and wide, so we want to share with you the reflections of individuals who have participated in our programs:

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

We are in challenging times and we know that it is not easy to set aside money, even when you really want to help achieve a certain purpose.

But don’t worry, there are other ways you can help us build the Greenville!

Invest your golden hands

If you have practical skills (construction, facade installation, carpentry, painting, etc.) or some of the materials we need for construction, such donations are always welcome. Contact us and we will be happy to provide transportation of materials, and if you have free time and will, it will be our pleasure to host you on the adventure of building a farm!

Share us with the world

Again, a good voice is heard far away! You can help us spread the word about the venture of building and opening a farm through your social networks, individual contacts and sharing options on the Kickstarter platform. Encourage friends to support our goal and thus contribute to its achievement!

Give us your advice

Your feedback is extremely important for the further development of our business. If you have an idea, praise or criticism, let us know and take an active part in shaping Greenville’s long-term vision. In addition, we welcome all additional contacts that can help us share this campaign with the general public.

FIND US HERE

Risks and challenges

Our experience in implementing local and international projects has taught us that a detailed risk prevention strategy is worth every effort. Therefore, when designing this campaign, we approached the identification of potential risks and defining ways to prevent and respond to them. The most significant identified risks for the realization of the set goals are: - delays in the delivery of materials and significant increase in costs of materials and labor that occur in current market conditions, especially in the construction sector; - measures caused by a coronavirus pandemic that prevent the implementation of activities on the farm (workshops and programs) in physical form; - weather disasters (force majeure) that may endanger the cultivation of fruits and vegetables; - bureaucratic obstacles and possible delays in issuing the necessary permits and completing the categorization process. In order to respond to the identified challenges, we formed a risk prevention team and defined modalities and timelines for analysis and audit. We will take the following measures promptly to ensure the smooth achievement of all set goals: - pre-negotiation of materials in order to ensure a favorable price and an appropriate delivery time; investing the own work of employees, volunteers and members of the Association in the construction and arrangement; - compliance with epidemiological measures and ensuring a safe environment for working on the farm; - contracting insurance in case of force majeure; - use of urgent procedures and professional approach to the preparation of documentation for construction and categorization.