Supported projects

Týn nad Vltavou - The Via Foundation and the Česká spořitelna Foundation Support Clubs for At-risk Children and Youth.

Project: Bongo - středisko pro mládež: Středisko sociálních služeb v Týně nad Vltavou - zařízení hudební zkušebny
Organization: Farní charita Týn nad Vltavou

When a 2004 survey showed the absence of efforts to engage local at-risk youth, the Týn nad Vltavou Parish Charity knew that they must act. The Parish Charity began by organizing social and educational events for adolescent girls and their mothers. Due to the positive response of Týn‘s citizens, the Parish Charity built upon this success by cooperating with the town hall to open the BONGO Center. The club’s name was selected by local children who participated in the remodeling of the club building.

In 2006, the Center realized that they should expand its services to work with a broader range of youth, but how? The answer came from the most qualified authority: the kids themselves. They came up with the idea of creating a music studio for there was no place in town where young musicians could practice free of charge. The Center won a grant from Via and the project progressed quickly. As work began in May, the community turned out to lend a hand. A sound engineer volunteered to direct the acoustical insulation of the studio. Young musicians and children joined in the construction. Even town residents with no link to BONGO came out to work and decorate the studio.

The work was completed by June 1st, the same day that the Center received its first instruments. At a party celebrating the studio’s opening, aspiring musicians were presented the tools to help make their dreams come true. When you visit the Center now, you may be able to hear music filtering through the air. Perhaps the “next big thing” will have had his or her start due to the opportunities created by residents of the Týn community...

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