Exploring inclusivity and collaboration across borders in Český Těšín
The recent Study Visits on Inclusion and Diversity in Czech Organizations brought together youth workers, project managers and policymakers from diverse backgrounds, including participants from France, Lebanon, Egypt, Romania, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Portugal.
This program, organized by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) department, provided a unique opportunity to explore how Czech organizations foster inclusion and diversity, particularly through volunteer work. With Český Těšín as the backdrop — a town known for its multicultural heritage—the program unfolded as a blend of interactive exercises, placement visits, and in-depth discussions on best practices for inclusion.
Joining this year’s program was Viktoria Netikova, the head of the Multicultural Center Brusinka in Brno. Viktoria shared her insights on the value of this program, saying, “It demonstrated the values and approaches of our Center while also providing expertise in working with volunteers, children, and youth with disabilities, as well as disadvantaged youth, including minorities. I highly recommend that representatives from local authorities and NGOs visit organizations like Silesian Diaconia ("Slezská Diakonie" in Czech), Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary School in Czech Teshin, and POHODA Karvina to exchange experiences. The atmosphere they create — with the invaluable help of volunteers — is truly inspirational. We hope to replicate this level of collaboration in Brno and South Moravia.”
Building networks and exchanging ideas
Throughout the program, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and insights on inclusion. The event emphasized collaboration and mutual learning, allowing attendees to bring home new perspectives and practical ideas for creating more inclusive environments in their communities. Recognizing the challenges specific to their countries, the group used this as a space for a SWOT analysis, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in their respective contexts, while also finding commonalities that could be built upon.
Placement visits and practical insights in Czech Teshin and Karvina
The program began with placement visits in Czech Teshin, where participants observed local organizations' work on inclusion and volunteer involvement. The Silesian Diaconia, a well-respected organization with over 70 centers across the Moravian-Silesian Region, provided participants with a “bird’s eye” view of their extensive social services network, supporting people with disabilities, the elderly, the homeless, and others facing difficult life situations. Visits to POHODA Karvina and other organizations showcased Czechia’s commitment to inclusion, offering participants practical insights into working with disadvantaged communities.
Interactive learning through “Ticket to Island”
An engaging segment of the study visit was “Ticket to Island,” an interactive game addressing inclusion and discrimination. Through simulations, participants experienced challenges faced by marginalized individuals and discussed the importance of empathy and proactive support. This exercise also focused on moving from automatic reactions to solution-oriented thinking, empowering participants to become accountable allies and advocates for change within their communities.
Empowering conversations: getting to know the organizations
Participants presented their organizations through an engaging “elevator pitch” session, where each introduced their projects, missions and goals. This activity fostered meaningful networking, allowing participants to identify collaboration opportunities and explore ways to adapt successful Czech practices to their own countries. Together, they discussed diverse approaches to youth work, volunteer coordination, and community engagement, emphasizing the creativity and adaptability required to build impactful, inclusive programs.
Reflective sessions and SWOT analysis
Following each day’s placements, reflection sessions were held to allow participants to process and discuss their experiences. These conversations provided valuable opportunities to compare methods and philosophies in working with youth and marginalized communities. The SWOT analysis of the organizations present highlighted both the unique and shared challenges faced across regions, fostering a sense of unity and shared mission among participants.
The historic context of Czech Tesin
Czech Tesin, along with its neighboring Polish counterpart, Cieszyn, forms one city uniquely situated across two countries. This division, established in 1920 following a diplomatic decision at the Spa Conference, left the city split between Czechia and Poland yet still united by a shared heritage. Today, thanks to the Schengen Agreement, residents move freely across the border, intertwining the communities, economies, and cultures of both sides. For participants, this setting — a city simultaneously divided and connected — served as a powerful symbol of cross-cultural collaboration and inclusivity.
A shared vision for inclusion and diversity
The European Solidarity Corps program aims to inspire organizations across borders to work together and share tools for promoting inclusivity. With a diverse group of 12 participants, this study visit allowed youth workers, project managers, and youth policymakers to deepen their understanding of how different countries address inclusion challenges.
As Viktoria noted, the inspiration and knowledge gained here will be valuable in advancing the work of our Multicultural center Brusinka, especially in an environment where the purpose of NGOs is sometimes misunderstood.
Looking ahead: action planning and partnerships
In the program's final stage, participants developed action plans for implementing new ideas and building partnerships back home. Equipped with Youthpass certificates and invaluable experience, attendees left with a renewed commitment to inclusion, equality, and diversity. The connections formed and lessons learned during these study visits are sure to have a lasting impact, driving forward a shared vision of empowered, inclusive communities across Europe and beyond.
The Study Visits on Inclusion and Diversity in Czech Organizations provided an enriching experience for all involved, highlighting the power of collaborative learning and cultural exchange. As participants returned home, they carried with them the insights, strategies, and inspirations needed to foster inclusive practices and create positive change within their own organizations and communities. Thanks to the ESC department and all the local organizers, this event demonstrated that with open hearts and shared knowledge, we can build bridges toward a more inclusive and compassionate world.
We would like to thank all the organizers and participants for their hospitality, attentiveness, and positive attitude.
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