Visit taekwondo club "Jastreb"

As part of the MARIO (Minorities, Accountability, Rights, Independence and Organizational Developmen) project, the organization "Švietimas ir paveldas" had the opportunity to choose one project partner to visit and observe their activities up close. We selected the "Jastreb" Taekwondo Club community to learn more about their project “Sport as a Bridge of Integration – Together We Achieve More,” which focuses on integrating refugees and migrants through taekwondo, emphasizing the role of sports in promoting mutual understanding, awareness of human rights, and personal empowerment. The project includes language courses, training, and educational seminars aimed at building trust and strengthening social inclusion between migrants and the local community.

In September, our two representatives traveled to the Croatian capital, Zagreb, to observe firsthand how this project is implemented and to explore other interesting activities at this sports club. The initial visit and introductory evening meeting took place in the resort town of Zadar, where teams from international taekwondo clubs gathered to participate in the international DONAT tournament. The competition was held at the impressive Zadar Arena, named after the legendary basketball player Krešimir Ćosić, and the "Jastreb" club athletes achieved an excellent result, securing 3rd place in both men's and women's competitions! The strength of this club lies in two inspiring figures, coaches Tamara and Ali, who continued our introductory visit by introducing us to the club’s activities, athletes, a representative from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and the project’s implementation nuances.

Cultural sensitivity and self-discipline as core club calues

On the very first evening, we heard numerous success stories of migrant integration through sports. One notable initiative implemented by club coach Tamara Pradegan (7. DAN), was the organization of the first swimming lessons for Muslim women in a private pool. Here, women, whether they covered their hair or not, could safely learn to swim and freely enjoy their time in the pool. This initiative helped these women overcome restrictions, reduce psychological stress, and avoid feelings of isolation, fostering mutual connection and integration.

During our visit, we also met the club’s psychologist, who provides emotional support not only for the MARIO project but also in other club activities. This specialist is responsible for creating a respectful and culturally sensitive environment. His approach to inclusion and respect was an inspiring example we hope to apply in our future projects. We believe it’s essential to create supportive spaces for single women and other marginalized groups, where they can feel respected and understood. We are convinced that by strengthening social inclusion and respect for diverse cultures, we contribute to true social unity and friendship among nations.

One of the most memorable stories from the visit was the experience of coach Ali from Iran. Ali came to Croatia as a refugee, but driven by purpose and supported by the sports community, he learned Croatian within six months. Now he shares his sports knowledge with club members and is one of the main consultants in resolving conflicts between teenagers and their parents. Ali has become one of the most active coaches, nurturing the spirit of the club and beloved by all his students.

At "Jastreb" Club, a holistic approach to martial arts is fostered, which goes beyond developing physical skills; young people gain important life lessons here. The club encourages youth from all backgrounds, both boys and girls, to learn teamwork, perseverance, and respect. "Croatia faces challenges in teaching children discipline and respect for elders, and sports is precisely the way these fundamental values are imparted to kids," shared coach Ali. This perseverance, communication skills, and experience inspire us to include similar success stories in our activities, motivating others to pursue their goals despite difficulties.

The organization "Švietimas ir paveldas" aims to integrate this comprehensive approach into its future projects to encourage both academic and personal growth within our society.

Future direction of the organization

This visit provided our organization with a unique opportunity to observe the importance of sports in promoting cultural understanding, social inclusion, and youth development. By observing the activities of the "Jastreb" club, our representatives gained valuable ideas and inspiration for further work in Lithuania.

After this visit, we are committed to expanding our initiatives to include sports and cultural sensitivity education to strengthen community bonds and promote the well-being of participants. The example set by the "Jastreb" club inspires us to create spaces where diversity is valued, and sports serve as a means to foster friendship and understanding. We are convinced that we can only encourage true community unity and create a lasting positive impact through an inclusive, supportive, and compassionate environment.

Let’s embrace and strengthen diversity together

During our visit, we were deeply impressed by the warm hospitality and sincerity of the Croatian people. When locals in Zadar learned that we were from Lithuania, they greeted us with friendly words and often mentioned basketball legend Arvydas Sabonis and the Kaunas "Žalgiris" club. This close connection between Zadar and Kaunas is inspiring and encourages us to maintain these strong ties between the two cities. We hope to help establish closer relations between "Jastreb" and Lithuanian taekwondo clubs, so they can share experience and enrich their projects with inclusive and culturally sensitive methods. We aim to become a bridge to create these connections and wish to achieve high results and cooperate to promote positive societal changes.

Although Croatia faces significant migration challenges, it seems the people have grown accustomed to it and handle integration effectively, encouraging newcomers to stay legally and supporting their adaptation. During our visit, we also had the opportunity to tour the Center of the Cultural Dialogue at Zagreb Mosque, where we observed the activities of an Islamic high school supported by the Croatian government. This cultural institute offers Arabic language and Islamic studies courses, aimed particularly at government representatives who may work with Arab and Muslim countries. Graduates receive an official certificate upon completion. Croatia’s openness and multicultural environment left us with wonderful, inspiring memories.

This visit reinforced our belief that community building requires inclusiveness and compassion. “Švietimas ir paveldas” is committed to continuing this journey by developing sports, educational, and cultural initiatives that promote friendship, dialogue, and mutual understanding. We aim to help create a future society based on diversity and sustainable unity.