Save the ruins of a Slovak monastery - Katarinka

In the last quarter of the year 2015 we successfully continued with trainings and workshops whose target group were our new young volunteers from the summer. We officially ended our summer activities  in Katarínka on September 6th. Last summer event called "Búracka" attracted 80 young volunteers, which packed up the camp and completed the main work activities of this season (see pictures). The event was marked by the summer nostalgia and volunteers enjoyed the last summer time together. Works had a wide-ranging spectrum, in which all volunteers could improve their skills.

The biggest project of those days was the wall of the entrance gate of former monastery was completely re-constructedduetoitslowstabilityandold,notfunctioningmortar.Hereweare inhighestpeakofwork.

We as well continued with the project of the re- construction of the former bell tower of the church of st Catharine. We finished columns for railings on all 5 floors.

 Next year the tower will be ready to welcomefirst visitors looking forward to the beautiful view at surrounding lovely mountains of the Small Carpathians.

This year another Katarínka rafting event took place, although no one knows which season it officially wasJ. As much as rafting we also enjoyed good weather and evening barbecues.

In September we enjoyed the last sunrays for rafting. Such events aim to strengthen our community, to get-to-know each other better and empower friendships betweenvolunteers.

 Each year, as young volunteers we look forward to autumn cult event – Jesenné zahládzanie stôp (autumn covering of tracks). About 20 hardy volunteers found their way to this event, who even did not mind to work in those extreme conditions.We enjoyed sleeping in a heated tent, but especially our Katarínka in the autumn mist.

On Friday, October 9th, 34 Dell employees (so called Dell RockStars and members of management) went to Katarínka to spend a day at volunteer teambuliding activities. Their feedback was very positive, as 34 out of 34 Dell employees recommend Katarínka as a great place to visit. It was a great event for us as well, especially night spent in tent with the feeling of a job well done.

Dell employees wrote:

- I liked the whole organization. The team of volunteers were great, very friendly, positive and took excellent care of us!...and of course the games :)
- Fantastic place, I will go there with my family.
- Mystic atmosphere. Kind people.
- The place was amazing & people were great. The place has a certain spirit :)
- Everyone is so energized about it the place, the people and the engagement of Katarina community to restore the historical sight for such a long period of time
- Best time I`ve ever had while doing hard work! :)

Thank you for allowing us take care of Katarínka monastery!