When a community gathers around one table

On 21 December we met for the closing event of the Volunteer Hope project, which was carried out under the programme Erasmus+ (YPA – Youth Participation Activities).

The invitation was accepted by the mayor, town staff, town councillors, teachers, parents and relatives, but also mentors, lecturers and everyone who took part in any way during the project. So the meeting was not just a formal closing of the project, but above all a meeting of people who care about work with young people in our town.

🤍 What we presented during the event

In the opening part we introduced the work of the Face Club youth club, presented by its coordinator Jakub. He spoke about everyday work with children and young people, the club's programme, the volunteers and why it is important to create a safe and supportive space for young people.

Then coordinator Lenka presented the work of the Pôjd education centre, its focus on non-formal education, prevention, community cooperation and developing the skills of children, young people and adults.

An important part of the programme was also the presentation of the goals and overall concept of the Volunteer Hope project, which was created with the aim of:

  • setting up systematic work with volunteers,

  • supporting the personal growth of young people,

  • creating conditions for their active involvement in community life.

The project, its goals and its importance for developing young people's participation in the community were presented by project coordinator Helena Zadžorová. She stressed that youth participation is not just taking part in activities, but above all a process of learning responsibility, cooperation and active civic engagement.

🎤 The volunteers had the main word

A strong moment of the whole event was the presentation by the young volunteers themselves. They shared their experiences, stories and skills gained during the project – from working with children, through organising events, teamwork and communication, to personal growth and new perspectives on themselves.

Their words were proof that the project did not stay on paper, but really influenced their lives, self-confidence and relationship with the community they live in.

☕ Official, but human

After the official part there was room for informal conversations, sharing impressions and feedback. The young volunteers had the chance to show their parents and other important adults the place where they spend their free time, grow and actively take part in community life.

The atmosphere was completed by tasty refreshments, coffee and time together – exactly as it should be in a community.

💛 Thank you

The closing event of the Volunteer Hope project confirmed for us that:

  • work with young people makes sense,

  • volunteering has its place in our town,

  • and when people from different backgrounds come together, valuable things happen.

We thank everyone who was part of this project – young volunteers, lecturers, mentors, partners, the town and the public.

Volunteer Hope goes on – in the people it has touched. 🌱