Social Inclusion Week in ESN Rijeka
Title
Social Impact Days – Spring Edition by ESN Rijeka
From May 5th to 11th, ESN Rijeka took part in Social Impact Days, a campaign happening across the ESN network that focuses on the positive impact Erasmus students can have on the local communities. The main idea was to connect international students with locals, promote inclusion, and raise awareness of important social issues. Planning started as early as March and April, and judging by the good feedback from both students and volunteers – the spring edition was a success!
The first event was Movie Night – Social Impact Days Edition, held on May 6th at the Istrian Club. We watched the documentary “Lijepo mi je s tobom, znaš” (It’s Nice With You, You Know) directed by Eva Kraljević. The film offers an intimate look into the relationship between the director and her sister Mia, who has Down syndrome. After the screening, we had an open and heartfelt discussion about inclusion, representation and the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities in Croatian society.
The next day, May 7th, we teamed up with the local organization DIP to host a Candle-Making Workshop and Culinary Activity. DIP works to promote inclusion and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Their members gave us a warm welcome and soon we were working together in two groups – one making candles, and the other preparing food. Each Erasmus student was paired with a DIP member, focusing on doing things together rather than just doing things for them. The whole space was filled with conversation, creativity and connection.
The third event was a Visit to Kitten Safe House on May 8th. We had already been there during the winter edition, and because everyone loved the experience, we decided to return. KSH is actually a private home that’s been turned into a shelter for abandoned, sick, and injured cats. We learned more about their work, had a tour, and of course – spent some quality time with the cats. It was a relaxed, warm and rewarding visit.
On May 13th, we organized a Humanitarian Pub Quiz at River Pub. The goal was to have fun, learn something new, and raise funds for Kitten Safe House. The quiz had two rounds – questions covered geography, music, and movies, with a math challenge as a tiebreaker. The prizes were donated by small local businesses in Rijeka, many of whom were happy to support a good cause and get involved in something community-driven.
Our fifth event, Experience Art Differently with ESN Rijeka, took place on Sablićevo Beach on May 14th. Students paired up and did some creative painting – one person painted with their eyes closed while the other tried to describe what to paint without using exact words (for example, describing a mountain without saying “mountain”). Then they switched, and the second person painted while wearing earplugs and receiving only non-verbal instructions. It was fun, messy, and a great way to explore communication and trust.
On May 17th, Erasmus students and volunteers met up at Kantrida Beach for Beach Clean-Up & Volleyball. We started the day by cleaning up litter and plastic waste along the beach. After two hours and several full bags of trash, the area looked way better – and we rewarded ourselves with a fun volleyball game under the sun.
The final event was online – the Photo Contest: Rijeka Through Foreign Eyes ran during the second week. Erasmus students submitted one photo each showing Rijeka from their unique perspective. The winner was chosen through public voting, and the result was a beautiful collection of how different people experience the same city.
This spring edition of Social Impact Days brought people together through creativity, teamwork, and meaningful action. Whether it was cleaning a beach, making candles, or watching a film together, every activity created space for connection and learning. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us – we’re already looking forward to the autumn edition!
Written by: Stefani Čeh
Photos by: Liena Vicente
Sources: Event Reports