Conference Programme
When Young People Grow, Society Grows
On volunteering, competences, participation and non-formal education
The conference brings together people, organisations and institutions that create opportunities for young people and support their development. It shares practical experience and opens a discussion on how volunteering, participation and non-formal education can help young people develop their competences, engagement and active participation in society.
8:30 – 9:30 | Registration and Morning Coffee
9:30 – 10:30 | Joint Opening of the Conference
Opening remarks:
Mgr. Richard Rybníček, Mayor of Trenčín
PhDr. Romana Kanovská, Director General of the National Institute of Education and Youth
Mgr. art. Stanislav Krajči, Director (CEO) of the Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture
◆ When We Give Young People Space: 5 Perspectives on Volunteering and Young People
- Creative Institute Trenčín 2026 – European Capital of Culture (Trenčín 2026): Volunteering as an opportunity to get involved
- Tower Finance: Volunteering that transforms communities
- City of Trenčín: Creating space for young people in the city
- National Institute of Education and Youth: From experience to competences
- National Institute of Education and Youth – National Agency for Erasmus+ Youth and Sport: Volunteering that opens up new opportunities for young people
10:30 – 11:30 | Parallel Thematic Sessions
◆ Session I: Experience as a School for Life
Volunteering as an educational and developmental experience
Workshop by: DASATO and Trenčín Volunteer Centre
◆ Session II: Volunteering as a Tool for Community and Inclusion
Volunteering as a space for belonging, solidarity and connecting people
Workshop by: Youth Council of Slovakia and SPOKOJNOSŤ – Centre for Social Services, n. o.
◆ Session III: A Future Co-created by Young People
Volunteering as a pathway to participation and active citizenship
Workshop by: YouthWatch and Regional Youth Centre Trenčín
11:30 – 12:30 | Lunch and Time for Informal Conversations
- Exhibition Youth Volunteering in Action
- Message Wall – a space for messages and words of appreciation for young people
12:30 – 13:30 | Awards for Youth Workers
Opening remarks: representative of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic
A ceremonial recognition of 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, Mladiinfo Slovakia
15:00 – 15:20 | Declaration on the Recognition of Non-formal Education
Opening remarks: 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 – Urban Walk with trained Trenčín 2026 volunteers
Hosted by: Michal Hudák Jr.
Cultural guest: Modrosvit – a jazz-folk band connecting culture, community and emotion.
Catering: Gastrocentrum of the Secondary Vocational School of Trade and Services in Trenčín, which also serves as a practical training workplace. Students of gastronomy programmes actively participate in preparing the food and running the catering service.
The conference and the youth worker awards are jointly organised by the Creative Institute Trenčín, n. o. – Trenčín 2026 and the National Institute of Education and Youth (NIVaM).
The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the programme and guest participation.
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 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).
