Following the successful implementation of its mental health campaign “My Strength, My Path”, the Croatia for Children Foundation has launched “The Path of Good Decisions”, a new initiative designed to evaluate the campaign’s long-term impact by recognising and supporting children and young people who have demonstrated meaningful positive behavioural change.

This project focuses on children and young people with behavioural difficulties who, during and after participating in the “My Strength, My Path” campaign, made significant progress by engaging in sports, adopting healthier lifestyles and developing more positive behaviour patterns. Rather than concentrating on the challenges they once faced, the initiative celebrates their resilience, perseverance, and willingness to make positive life choices.

At the heart of “The Path of Good Decisions” is the belief that every positive step deserves recognition. Lasting change is often built through small but consistent decisions, and acknowledging these achievements strengthens children's self-confidence, motivation and sense of belonging. The initiative also encourages other young people to believe that positive change is possible.

To identify participants, the Foundation conducted an evaluation involving ten community-based child support centres that had participated in the previous campaign. Directors and professionals nominated children and young people who had shown remarkable progress in their behaviour, embraced sport and healthy lifestyles, and successfully replaced harmful behavioural patterns with positive ones.

These young people were rewarded with participation in the three-day "Let's Play" sports camp, held in Sveti Martin na Muri, Croatia, in June 2026. Participants from community-based child support took part in basketball, martial arts, beach volleyball, football, swimming and other recreational activities led by specialised coaches. The programme also included motivational workshops focused on personal development, self-discipline, and healthy lifestyles, as well as recreational and team-building activities designed to strengthen participants' confidence and sense of belonging.

More than simply rewarding achievements, the camp reinforced the positive changes participants had already made and encouraged them to continue engaging in sport and maintaining healthy habits. In doing so, the initiative contributes to children's mental well-being, social inclusion, and personal development.

By evaluating the long-term impact of prevention programmes and investing in young people's strengths rather than their difficulties, “The Path of Good Decisions” demonstrates how recognition, encouragement and sustained support can create lasting positive change. As the project continues, the “Croatia for Children” Foundation welcomes opportunities to exchange experiences and good practices with organisations across Europe working in the fields of child protection, mental health, sport and social inclusion. 

The Croatia for Children Foundation, acting on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Croatia, works independently and with partners to recognize, actively support, and continuously promote children's rights and opportunities for personal development. The Foundation is dedicated to fostering excellence and progress in the lives of children, ensuring they reach their full potential.