Milan Durik
CNH Director
With over 12 years of teaching experience, Milan is well-versed in programme development, specifically tailoring experiential learning courses for international schools. As a former PE Teacher and CAS instructor, Milan spent 7 years focusing on creating courses that merges seamlessly with the IB programme. His hobbies include rock climbing and scuba diving. He holds a PADI Divemaster qualification, Skiing and Snowboarding Instructor qualification, International Award DofE Trainer, White River Instructor and Rescue qualification, and Level 1 Compass Education for Sustainable World Certificate. Following his passion for sustainable gardening, he created the CNH Organic Garden by recycling food waste from Pak Lap Cafe, and has since been growing edible herbs, spices, and his latest favourite - pineapples.
Q: What inspired you to join the industry of education?
A: My parents and grandparents always led me to respect nature and appreciate the environment around us. My grandfather inspired me, and growing up as a boy scout leader taught me various leadership skill set that is memorable to this day. The experiences made me appreciate the great outdoors even more, and I have since develop a true passion for adventures. (My grandfather) had led me onto a sustainable way of thinking and approaching our daily lives by learning in the "outdoor classroom". It is my life passion and mission to become an all-round educator.
Q: What is your favourite CNH programme and why?
Sustainable Gardening Programme allows me to unify all aspects of outdoor knowledge, skills and attitudes. I truly enjoy helping students to create their own gardening mix, sourcing from our kitchen food waste and wood waste. Using simple gardening tools and modern farming techniques, the children gets hands on and muddy, and partaking in daily, small changes that helps growing our plants! This always brings a smile on my face! There is no better tool to exercise this programme to work on our patience and perseverance than anticipating our organic garden's harvest.
Q: How do you spend your leisure time in Sai Kung?
A: I love to learn something new every day. It can be gardening knowledge, sharpening my rock climbing skills or simply exploring a new idea and
practising positive thinking while having a cup of coffee.
Q: How does CNH and its programmes stand out from other outdoor companies in Hong Kong?
A: What I like about Pak Lap is that we are always looking for a way how to make our place more sustainable and how to link the local community, nature and heritage together, our core values exceeded from a solely outdoor activities standpoint, and at the same time, diversifies and enriches our content to
balance education and fun for our young leaders.
Q: Describe your most memorable experience here in CNH
A: The best moment is when you see Pak Lap coming to life with a beach full of curious, giggly students. I love watching them running around, learning about our community, the nature, acting on our Leave No Trace philosophy, and most important of all, stepping outside of their comfort zone and taking on challenges, whether it be climbing or kayaking, and that they are bonding and cheering each other on...these precious moments are often treasured as students celebrate every success. We see how it is that through team challenges we are bringing students together. And I'm always surprised to see children taking up a leader position and jumping on solving challenges such as bamboo raft building and coasteering.