Konjeniški in mladinski center Škatlica

The Equestrian and Youth Center Škatlica is a small non-profit organisation, established in 2017. We strive towards sustainable communities - those empowered to take care of themselves, individuals within them, and the world around them. Our main purpose is to empower young people with the skills they need to become independent, decisive, courageous, and curious adults. During the pandemic, Škatlica implemented (Za)upam si, a program of free online psychological counseling for young people in distress. In 2021, we began the renovation of an abandoned sawmill in Prlekija, where we are developing a rural community center with a particular focus on exploring the therapeutic impact of animals - horses - on vulnerable young people. The property is home to a herd of horses with which we implement various activities with and for young people, and we are renovating the old sawmill into a youth center. Through various activities, community events and workshops, we encourage young people to gain experience in non-formal learning, promote voluntary work, and foster connections among young people. Our main target group are young people who do not have equal access to activities that bring the greatest benefits to underprivileged young people (such as psychotherapy, equestrian activities, intercultural experiences). This includes young people from remote areas, those facing economic difficulties, those dealing with various addictions, and those from dysfunctional families.