Jordan will personally cover all the costs that occur during his hike and will not directly handle the donations. He is a native speaker from Great Britain and has been living and teaching English in Ljubljana for many years now.
It was his friends that initially recommended the Botrstvo project, describing it as one of the most trustworthy organizations. "We're delighted that Jordan came to us and decided to hike the Slovenian Mountain Trail. We're happy for his efforts to improve the lives of children in Slovenia, encouraging people to make donations while on the trail. Of course, he has our full support on this hike," explained Maruša Kaučič Conde from the Friends of Youth Association (ZPM) Ljubljana Moste – Polje, i.e. the Botrstvo project.
Kaučič Conde adds that they helped Jordan with everything he needed, but that he came up with the plan completely on his own. "In England and the U.S., it's completely normal for anyone capable of helping to donate something for the good of others." She also explained that anyone can become a sponsor or donator in their project by filling out an application form on their website.
First transversal hiking trail in the Alps
The Slovenian Mountain Trail spreads across the majority of Slovenian mountains. It was the first transversal hiking trail in the Alps. Other hiking trails in different Alpine regions were set up later following the Slovenian example. We can start the hike in Maribor, Ankaran, or anywhere else. A hiker has to keep a diary recording his hike. He also has to collect special stamps intended for those hiking the Slovenian Mountain Trail. You can get the stamps in mountain lodges upon submitting a mountain club membership card. A signature of the keeper of the mountain lodge should be next to the stamp.
The Botrstvo project has been running for eight years now and is focused on improving the quality of life of children and youths. "It's a way of helping children and youths who are socially excluded, deprived or under threat, due to the difficult material, social or health situations in their families,' adds Kaučič Conde. The project is implemented with the help of regular monthly donations made by sponsors and through the Botrstvo fund.