We have been here for you for 10 years!
More than 10 years have passed since a few young people approached the then mayor, Štefan Bieľak, with a desire to have a SPACE for children and young people, a space that would not only be for them, but also be theirs. A space for which they would take responsibility. One thing led to another and a host of others joined the handful of young people, and with the town's support these young enthusiasts renovated the premises above the old pharmacy and opened a youth club. Back then, 10 years ago, we had no idea how many pitfalls awaited us, even just in the renovation itself, in running the place or in our relationships with one another. But we longed to have a space for children and young people, an alternative to hanging around outside, boredom or doing nothing, and to show that spending time can be fulfilling.
After 10 years we can say that, thanks to working with children and young people, we have learned that a space is not just a place where young people and children can spend their free time. A space is something much MORE – it is a way of giving young people the chance not only to dream their dreams, but to try to make them happen. To give them the chance to experience friendships, laughter, joy, fun, acceptance. A space to try new things, to cooperate, to help others carry out a project or just a small activity. To take responsibility for preparing an evening programme, a children's camp or an activity somewhere outdoors. Giving space means creating conditions for young people to develop and build their skills, abilities and character… So that they can GROW. So that they can become responsible adults who will turn our small town into a better place to live. Everything we have managed to do in those 10 years, all the activities, events and projects, all of it happened only because young people were given “SPACE”.
We thank everyone who, in any way, contributed to this space for young people coming into being and being able to develop. We thank you for the trust we were given, through which we could learn what it means to have and create a space. We thank the young people who were willing to give their time and something of themselves and to be volunteers. Over the 10 years, more than 100 of them have passed through our doors.
Trust brings responsibility, and so we want to go even further. We have learned that the more space we give young people, the more they can grow, dream and be active. That is why we want to open new rooms above the youth club. Rooms intended for young adults, so that they can learn informally, find inspiration and cooperate, and have a place where they can plan their first work activities and try out their first business plans or startups. We want to open “Pôjd”. We believe it will be a new chapter in our work for young people. Our vision is to create new opportunities for informal learning, mutual cooperation and inspiration. Over 10 years, children have become young people and young people have become adults, and their needs have changed. We have decided to take on a new challenge and move up a level; we want to improve and expand our services and meet their needs. We are sure that young people will be here for another 10 years, and we want to be here for them!
