KÖZ-Pont Youth Association has been operating since 2001 and over the past two-plus decades has become a continuously growing and developing youth organisation. In our programmes it has always been important that young people can grow through experiences, community situations and practical experience. This approach was also recognised by the Edison platform: Our association is an Edison award winner and an Edison programme certified organisation. For us the certification is important professional feedback that our work supports the development of young people's skills in an innovative, experience-based and forward-looking way.
At KÖZ-Pont young people can try themselves out in situations that are less often available at school: they organise a programme, work in a team, give their opinion, volunteer, make decisions, take responsibility. Many young people first find here what they are really good at. They may not be the best student in the class, but it turns out they are a good organiser, an attentive teammate, a creative idea-generator, a brave speaker or a reliable community person.
Our mission is to develop young people and pass on practical skills and competences, preparing them for further study, the world of work and adult life.
The world is changing fast. That is exactly why it is increasingly important that young people acquire not only knowledge but also skills with which they can cope more confidently: communication, cooperation, problem-solving, responsibility, independence, financial literacy, empathy and adaptability.
In KÖZ-Pont's communities and programmes, young people learn a great deal about themselves and the world without even noticing. Among other things, the following develops:
These are skills that can be a real advantage in further study, in the world of work and in adult life.
With us, young people are not "just participants". We see them as partners. Their opinions, ideas and questions matter, as does it when they are still looking for their own path. KÖZ-Pont is an environment where it is OK to make mistakes, try things, ask questions and grow. In a safe, open community young people dare more easily to speak up, take initiative and take responsibility.
In student council communities young people learn what it is like to think, decide, organise programmes and represent the interests of others together. This is a real training ground for responsible community engagement.
At our trainings and YouthLabs sessions we develop young people's skills in a practical, experience-based way. Communication, self-knowledge, teamwork, project planning, leadership skills – all tailored to young people, understandable and usable.
As a regional debate centre, we think it is important that young people learn to argue, to ask questions, to listen to others and to represent their opinions in a civilised way. Today this is an especially important skill not only at school but in everyday life.
Our international programmes, ESC volunteers, youth exchanges, language clubs and conversation sessions help young people become more open to other cultures, languages and perspectives. Here it is natural that many kinds of people, backgrounds and stories meet.
We strongly believe in the power of volunteering. Through volunteer programmes young people experience what it is like to act for others, connect to communities and take responsibility. They can meet people with disabilities, older people, small children and groups living in different social situations. These experiences sensitise, develop empathy and help them better understand the world around us.
Our offices and community spaces are safe, youth-friendly venues. Here young people can meet, plan, talk, organise programmes, or even realise their own ideas.
Many skills that young people can learn with us in community and experience-based form cost serious money in adult training courses. Communication, teamwork, leadership skills, project management, debate culture, self-knowledge, social sensitivity – these now represent real value. At KÖZ-Pont young people receive all this free of charge, in a supportive environment, with professional backing and a partnership approach.
Not just programme experiences.
But self-confidence, relationships, experience, responsibility, openness and the feeling that they can influence their own life and the community around them.
This is where we help: we give space, accompany and support, and we believe every young person has value worth bringing out.
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