- November 2025 – Pôjd Education Centre, Spišská Belá
Some events stay in our heads long after they end. Not because they are grand, but because they bring together atmosphere, people and storiesthat stay with us.
For 7 years now, we have been living for the Mladí Mladým (Young to Young) conference – an inspiring event where young people share with other young people what they live, what they are going through or what moves them forward.
The theme of this year's conference was once again dreams and the path to fulfilling them. Dreams not as something distant and unattainable, but as a path made of small everyday steps.
More than 50 participantsgathered at Pôjd to hear seven inspiring guests – each from a different field, yet all united by an honest story.
Guests of the conference
Bedňa – humour, music and punchlines that land exactly
The conference was opened by Bedňa, a musical stand-up comedian active on the scene since 2013. He is known for being able to combine humour and music with wordplay so that people at his shows not only laugh, but also think. He spoke about what a privilege it is to make a living from what you enjoy, and the role the support of his loved ones played in it. He named Bo Burnham as his great role model and reminded us that even the things that we love need moderation.
Marek Janiga – a young lawyer who believes in the power of good
The second guest was Marek Janiga, founder of the initiative Spolu pomáhať – United for Help, and winner of the Fair Act of the Year 2023 award.
Marek spoke about how his life rests on faith and his family's support. He makes no secret that he is a patriot and genuinely loves Slovakia. He spoke about how bringing people together does not mean persuading them of your own view, but being able to discuss – even with those who see the world differently.
His story showed that law, too, can be a way to fulfil dreams of a better society.
Nikola Čorbová – endurance in motion
Third to take the stage was Nikola Čorbová, a Slovak endurance athlete from Stropkov. She is a multiple Slovak champion in triathlon, duathlon and running.
At the conference she shared that her running journey began unassumingly – on a treadmill. She arrived for her first 100 km race 20 minutes before the start – with no experience.
After the races she also faced difficult moments, when surgery loomed. She said that she loves movement and nature and that thanks to them sport still brings her joy and gives her meaning.
Šimon Kán – how creative photography becomes a life's direction
Next was Šimon Kán, who at just 16 years old can captivate thousands of young people with his eye-catching recipes, artistic creations and unmistakable energy.
He got into cooking through food photography, gradually realising that making videos fulfils him. He said he enjoys working alone and that when someone really wants to and isn't afraid to try, they can achieve anything.
He admitted that he is stubborn – if something doesn't work out, he tries again and again. His dream is to one day make a living from filming.
Lukáš Novák – work that makes sense despite obstacles
The next guest was Lukáš Novák, a lawyer from the League for Human Rights, who fights for justice for people seeking a new home.
Lukáš said that in his work he often encounters failure, but the feeling of satisfaction is all the stronger when, despite that, positive feedback arrives. It is precisely these moments that drive him forward.
In 2025 he joined Forbes 30 Under 30 in the category of social innovators and public administration.
Dávid Pogran – illustrations that speak even without words
Lukáš was followed by Dávid Pogran – an illustrator, who draws the world of children sensitively, playfully and with an emphasis on atmosphere.
Dávid shared with us how he was fascinated by the world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and how he drew instead of answering questions in tests.
He mentioned his love of flowers, scents and meadows, which for him are a symbol of hope. From these small details gradually emerged his current style – gentle, calm and full of feeling.
Paula Lopatovská – when emotions speak through acting
The conference programme was closed by Paula Lopatovská, an actress known from the series Sľub or Dunaj, k vašim službám, and a native of Spišská Belá who played her first roles as a child in the FACE CLUB premises.
She loves acting and music and believes that art can speak directly to the heart. She spoke about her journey towards a dream, about adapting to new situations and about doubts, which are a natural part of artistic work.
She stressed that ultimately the winner should always be passion and love for what we do.
Networking – a space for new beginnings
The programme was followed by networking, which is already a traditional part of the conference. Participants had the chance to talk to the guests, ask for details or simply share their own dreams and plans.
It is often in these unassuming conversations that we find the courage to set out on new paths.
Thanks that deserve to be said out loud
Thank you to our host Monika Gurková, who accompanied us throughout the event with great professionalism.
Thank you to our sponsors MARKO TATRY and SOLE Optik for the support that made it possible to hold the full programme.
The conference came about thanks to Expression o.z., volunteers and employees of FACE CLUB and Pôjd. Thanks also go to the Town of Spišská Belá for its constant support of young people and their initiatives.
The event was supported by the Erasmus+ programme, Youth Participation Action sub-programme.
This event was supported by grants from the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic in the field of youth work, administered by the National Institute of Education and Youth (NIVAM).
Text: Jakub Varga • Photos: Samuel Skokan
