- Author: Petra Erguvanli –
Highlights from the “Springboard to Life” Program 2024/2025!
The 2024/2025 school year was truly exceptional for us at Chance 4 Children. Through the “Springboard to Life” program, we worked hand in hand with our teachers, mentors, and partners to create countless opportunities for children and young people from children’s homes to discover their talents, develop skills, and experience unforgettable moments.
Over the course of the school year, we taught nearly 700 lessons across 14 children’s homes, with 15 teachers working regularly—either in person or online. They led workshops and classes in English, computer literacy, art, music education, and other activities (e.g. financial literacy courses – more information on them here) that help children broaden their horizons and build self-confidence.
We also organized eight weekend workshops at the Krenovka cultural center in Prague for children from homes outside the city (more information about this project here). In cooperation with Tatran Střešovice, we hosted several fantastic sports events and ended the school year with a remarkable floorball tournament for kids from children’s homes (report on this event here).
One of the highlights this year was our modeling workshops, which culminated in a spectacular fashion show at the Goethe-Institut in Prague. Both girls and boys also enjoyed a hands-on hairdressing workshop at the Hairmate salon, where they got a glimpse into the world of professional hairstyling.
Thanks to support from PPF, we were able to donate more than 30 laptops to children, significantly improving their access to education and independent living.
We also carried out a Path to Inclusion project through the Erasmus+ program, which was another step toward deeper understanding and connection with children growing up in institutional care (more about this trip here).
But what brought us the greatest joy this year was the establishment of C4C’s new Rise Up community—a space where young people from children’s homes can support one another, share experiences, and grow together. Our community, which now includes 45 members, is cared for by a dedicated team of mentors and coaches (find out information about the community´s origins here and about this year’s activities here).
“We organize regular workshops for participants, help them find jobs, secure housing and support them on their journey toward independent life,” says Jolana Skalová, project manager of the Rise Up community.
We also prioritized the education of C4C staff and team members—organizing team meetings, internal workshops, training on artificial intelligence, and a visit to the Open Gate School, where we found plenty of fresh inspiration (C4C meeting report here).
“All of this took place under the banner of C4C’s Springboard to Life program, which gives children the chance to stand on their own two feet, find their path, and believe in their future,” adds Petra Erguvanli, project manager of the initiative.
A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who supports us on this journey—teachers, mentors, partners, donors, and the entire team. Thanks to you, this work truly matters.
Reminder: All of C4C’s programs are being offered free of charge to hospitals, senior- and children’s homes. Our work is only supported by donations. If you’d like to, you can help us here. Thank you for your kind consideration!
