When Young People Grow, Society Grows
On volunteering, competences, participation and non-formal education
5 October 2026 | KKC Hviezda, Trenčín | 9:30–15:30
The When Young People Grow, Society Grows conference creates a space for connecting people, organisations and institutions dedicated to young people and their development. It brings together the topics of non-formal education, volunteering, participation, inclusion, competence development and the recognition of experiences young people gain outside formal education.
Its aim is to highlight the value of youth work in practice, share concrete experiences and examples from different settings, and open a discussion on how we can work together to create better conditions for an active, engaged and well-prepared young generation.
Programme
8:30–9:30 | Registration and morning coffee
9:30–10:30 | Opening session
Opening remarks
Mgr. Richard Rybníček, Mayor of Trenčín
Mgr. Daniela Gabrišová, Acting Head of the Department of Education and Culture, Office of the Trenčín Self-Governing Region
PhDr. Romana Kanovská, Director General of the National Institute of Education and Youth
Mgr. art. Stanislav Krajči, CEO of the Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture
When We Give Young People Space: Three Perspectives on Volunteering and Young People
Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture (Trenčín 2026): When young people are given the opportunity to get involved
National Institute of Education and Youth: When experience turns into competences
City of Trenčín: When the city gives young people space
10:30–11:30 | Parallel thematic sessions
Session I: Experience as a School for Life
Volunteering as an educational and developmental experience
How can we turn volunteering experience into conscious competence development? The session will focus on reflecting on experience, recognising competences and applying them later in life.
Workshop by DASATO and the Trenčín Volunteer Centre.
Session II: Volunteering as a Tool for Community and Inclusion
Volunteering as a space for belonging, solidarity and bringing people together
How can we create an environment where young people feel needed and know that they belong to a community? The workshop will focus on inclusion, intergenerational connections, solidarity and more resilient communities.
Workshop by the Youth Council of Slovakia and SPOKOJNOSŤ – Centre for Social Services, n. o.
Session III: A Future Co-created by Young People
Volunteering as a path towards participation and active citizenship
How can we guide young people from “I help” to “I get involved, make decisions and co-create”? The session will focus on youth voice, shared decision-making, initiative and responsibility.
Workshop by YouthWatch and the Regional Youth Centre Trenčín.
11:30–12:30 | Lunch and time for informal conversations
During the break, visitors can explore the Youth Volunteering in Action exhibition and the Message Wall – a space to leave messages and words of appreciation for young people.
12:30–13:30 | Awards for Youth Workers
Opening remarks by a representative of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.
A ceremonial presentation of awards to people whose work creates opportunities for young people to develop and get involved.
13:30–14:00 | Break and photos with award recipients
14:00–15:00 | Panel Discussion
Why Is Volunteering an Investment in the Future of Society?
A discussion on the value of volunteering for young people, communities and society.
Discussion guests: European Parliament Liaison Office in Slovakia, Slovenské elektrárne Foundation, Senica 2.0 and Mladiinfo Slovakia.
15:00–15:20 | Declaration on the Recognition of Non-formal Education
Mgr. Martin Dovičák, PhD., Director of the Department for the Support of Non-formal Education and School Sport at NIVAM
A joint step towards recognising the experiences and competences young people gain through non-formal education.
15:20–15:30 | Closing of the Conference
15:30–16:30 | The Conference Ends. Exploring the City Continues.
The City Through People’s Eyes – an urban walk with trained Trenčín 2026 volunteers.
Hosted by Michal Hudák Jr.
Cultural guest: Modrosvit – a jazz-folk band connecting culture, community and emotion.
Additional Information
Catering will be provided by the Gastrocentrum of the Secondary Vocational School of Trade and Services in Trenčín, which also serves as a practical training facility. Students of gastronomy programmes actively participate in food preparation and the operation of the facility.
The conference is organised in cooperation between the Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture and the National Institute of Education and Youth – Youth Work Support Department.
The event is held under the patronage of the Minister of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic.
The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme and guest participation.
Registration
The event is intended for invited participants, but we are also opening up some of the available places to others who are interested. If you work with young people or these topics are relevant to you, let us know.
Register and tell us why you would like to take part. Capacity is limited, and participation will be confirmed for selected applicants.
The conference, including the awards ceremony for youth workers, is jointly organised by Kreatívny inštitút Trenčín, n. o. – Trenčín 2026 and the National Institute of Education and Youth (NIVaM).
Event partner
