Space4Youth is not just a youth club, but a safe and inclusive environment where young people from different backgrounds can meet, learn, and grow. Located in Adama Asnyka 2 in Rzeszów, the project helps teenagers and young adults develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging.
This interview with the coordinator, Chrystian Kucharski, explores how Space4Youth was created, its main goals, and the impact it has on participants, highlighting its role in supporting youth development and integration within the local community.
Let’s get right into it!
Interviewer: What inspired the creation of Space4Youth?
Chrystian: For years, the PSAR (Subcarpathian Association for Active Families) association (independent and apolitical social organization based in Rzeszow, Poland that works in the field of culture, education, civil rights, humanitarian aid) has been working with children, youth, and families. The organization identified the need to create a place for young people that would be completely different from school or cultural centers, while still providing a safe space to relax and meet peers.
At the beginning, the main beneficiaries were Ukrainian youth who received support from PSAR as part of assistance for families arriving in Poland during the war. Over time, the club gained recognition and became truly international, with young people from Poland, Ukraine, and many other countries.
I: What is the main goal of the project?
C: The main goals of the project are to bring together young people from different nationalities in Rzeszów and provide them with a shared space to connect and build relationships. Space4Youth supports young people in developing new skills, becoming more socially active, and gaining confidence in themselves and their ideas. It offers a safe and welcoming environment where they can spend time without pressure, while also giving them opportunities to take part in workshops and create their own initiatives, helping them stay engaged and explore their passions.
I: Why is it important to create a space like this for young people in Rzeszów?
C: In a nutshell, such places help young people better integrate into society and prepare for adulthood. They provide a safe environment where they can spend time meaningfully, develop passions, and pursue their own ideas.
I: What makes Space4Youth different from other youth initiatives?
C: What makes us unique is the approach in which young people have a real impact on how space functions. We follow the principle: “Nothing about youth without youth.”
I: How does the project help young people from different nationalities connect with each other?
C: Through workshops, team games, and joint projects, young people learn cooperation and naturally build relationships. Cultural exchange is also important — participants share traditions, experiences, and perspectives, which fosters mutual understanding.
I: Which activities are the most popular among participants?
C: The most popular activity is Space4Integration, a discussion club where the space is closed to those who do not wish to participate. Only those who want to actively engage in discussions and activities conducted in English take part. Right after that, cooking and art workshops are also very popular, as they allow participants to relax, develop creativity, and spend time in a friendly atmosphere.
I: What are the future plans for Space4Youth?
C: In the near future, we plan to organize outdoor events and participate in various external events. We want to show that Space4Youth exists and is an active part of youth life in Rzeszów. We aim to increase visibility in public spaces and reach more young people.
I: What is the most rewarding part of coordinating this project for you personally?
C: The most rewarding part is that the youth energy also affects me—I feel young, full of energy and motivation. When I see how young people engage in collaboration and co-create this space, I feel great satisfaction knowing that I contributed to it.
Space4Youth shows how important it is to create spaces where young people feel safe, included, and empowered. As highlighted in the interview with Chrystian, the project is more than just a place to spend time, it is a community where ideas are shared, confidence is built, and meaningful connections are formed.
By giving young people the opportunity to actively shape the space and participate in its activities, Space4Youth plays a key role in supporting their personal growth and integration. It stands as a strong example of how local initiatives can make a real difference in the lives of young people and in the wider community.
Promoting places like Space4Youth is an important part of INPRO’s mission in Poland and abroad. As an organisation, we encourage the growth and development of such spaces for active youth, where young people are empowered to participate, create, and lead initiatives that matter to them.
A special thank you to Chrystian and the Space4Youth team for their time, openness, and for sharing their experience and insights.
