Clubhouses: Places Where No One Is Forced to Stay and Everyone Is Welcome

The Clubhouses operated by People in Peril are located in 11 communities across Slovakia and serve as spaces where children and young people find support, safety, and understanding. They are more than just physical spaces—we create environments where children can develop, grow, and simply be themselves.

In the Clubhouse, children spend their free time pursuing their interests, receive help with homework and school preparation, and take part in workshops, games, and conversations. They build self-confidence, empathy, and social skills along the way. Through career counseling, we support children aged 12 to 16 in discovering their strengths, preparing for secondary school, and taking their first steps into working life.

The Clubhouses operate on the principles of low-threshold access, voluntariness, and participation—no one is forced to stay, and everyone is welcome. Participants can come, leave, and engage according to their own needs and comfort.

Our colleague Zuzka, who is responsible for social media at People in Peril, shared her impression after visiting the Clubhouse in Kojatice:

“As part of my job, I sometimes get the chance to go into the field. This time I visited our community center in Kojatice, and I can honestly say I won’t forget it anytime soon. As soon as I opened the door, it felt like stepping into a completely different world—a peaceful one, full of focused children. No shouting, no chaos. First came the younger children from elementary school, followed by their older friends straight after school. Every child had their place, fully engaged in their activities, creating wonderful handmade gifts for their mothers. Our colleagues were there for them the whole time, ready to help whenever needed. I saw smiles, pride in their eyes when they finished their work, children cleaning up after themselves, saying goodbye—and then the older ones arriving, cheerful and motivated. Maybe today they will go upstairs to the computers to learn something new.”

 

A Safe Place for Young and Old Alike

In addition to children and young people, the Clubhouses also support seniors, mothers of children with disabilities, and people who have fled Ukraine. Everyone finds something here that is often missing in everyday life—a safe space, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

We also create spaces for women from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, where they feel accepted, respected, and supported. At community gatherings, they share their stories over coffee. Alongside creative workshops, we organize educational sessions focused on digital skills, critical thinking, and confident communication. We also address important topics such as gender equality, health, and period poverty. As a result, women become more active members of their communities and help transform not only their own lives but also the world around them. Empowered women mean stronger families and better-educated children.

Learn more about supporting women and girls from Roma communities here: Strong women build strong communities.

We have also launched a new project, ROZZUM (Development of Basic Skills for Marginalized People), which helps people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds strengthen their reading, math, and digital skills. These practical, easy-to-understand courses are delivered in small groups, with a strong focus on self-confidence and personal development—opening doors to better jobs and more secure lives.

Clubhouses Through the Eyes of Regular Visitors

Sixteen-year-old Alex came to Slovakia from Ukraine to study at the Taras Shevchenko High School. He hopes to continue his studies in political science at Comenius University. He first visited the Clubhouse with his class, where staff introduced them to the activities and explained that the doors are always open.

“I thought about it and decided—why not try it? So I started coming to the Clubhouse, and I really liked it here.”

Over time, Alex became a skilled and patient LEGO instructor, helping younger children build and program with the popular building blocks. He later began tutoring English and math, and now spends a significant amount of time at the Clubhouse.

Seventeen-year-old Mário is a student at the Secondary Vocational School of Gastronomy and Services in Prešov. He is an active young athlete who now helps younger Roma children as a football coach. He is also one of our scholarship recipients—we cover his transportation to school and meals.

He learned about the Clubhouse when our colleagues visited his school:

“They told us about the activities and invited us to come. A few of us went, and it’s been more than half a year since I started visiting regularly. I hadn’t known a place like this before, but I gave it a chance. I feel comfortable here, and when I need help, I get it. Now I’m also volunteering as a coach. I’ve been coaching young children in the village Terňa for years, and I’ve continued here with People in Peril. I try to show kids from the Roma community that they can use their free time meaningfully. I want to show them that if you want something, you can achieve it—maybe even go further than I have.”

 

We are able to fund the operation of the Clubhouses and their educational activities thanks to donors who choose the Real Gifts Book, Creative Box, and Clubhouse.

Thank you for your support.