Safe Youth Space
We have begun organizing a space for young people as part of our project.
The activities started in the autumn of 2025. We assembled a team, and the young people are keen to meet in our office three times a week: on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
August 2026
In August, our volunteer Patrycja led art therapy workshops for young people at our Youth Space. Through painting and creative activities, participants explored emotions using Robert Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions. They learned how different colours can represent different emotions and their levels of intensity. It was a creative and inspiring opportunity for young people to express themselves through art!
July 2026
On 2 July, we held the first meeting of the Safe Holidays Academy. The session focused on summer safety and first aid. Participants learned how to react in emergency situations, provide basic first aid, and avoid common risks during the holidays, such as heat, sun exposure, and accidents. Through practical and interactive activities, young people gained useful skills and knowledge to enjoy their summer safely and responsibly.
Young people from the Youth Space took part in a hands-on renovation project, giving old chairs a fresh new look. Using their own ideas, creativity and practical skills, they worked together to restore and refresh the furniture. It was a great opportunity to learn something new, work as a team and turn old chairs into something useful again — all by their own efforts!
As part of an activity at the Youth Space, young people created wooden plant models by assembling different pieces and turning them into decorative plants. The activity encouraged creativity, patience and attention to detail, while also giving participants a chance to relax and spend time together. It was a simple but engaging way to develop practical skills and create something they could be proud of.
June 2026
One of the absolute highlights of our recent international volunteering project was the International Cooking Night. Bringing together volunteers from across Europe and beyond, our kitchen turned into a vibrant hub of global flavors and shared stories. It was an amazing opportunity for our local youth to experience culinary traditions from Latvia, Romania, Réunion Island, Italy, Spain, France, and Ukraine all in one place. It was a delicious, heartwarming evening that perfectly captured the spirit of our community!
We recently said a heartfelt goodbye to an incredible group of international volunteers who spent from June 13th to July 7th with us! Bringing together people from Latvia, Romania, Réunion Island, Italy, Spain, France, Ukraine, and Poland, this time was packed with hard work, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories.
Our volunteers were unstoppable: they revitalized our garden, restored furniture, supported a local animal shelter, and hosted an international cooking night. We also shared a taste of Poland by teaching them to make pierogi and strawberry pasta, enjoyed creative bookmark workshops, and explored the beauty of Gdańsk together.
Creativity took flight at our recent Origami Workshop! Participants gathered to explore the art of paper folding, transforming simple sheets into intricate 3D figures. From mastering classic cranes to experimenting with custom geometric designs, it was a fantastic afternoon of focus, patience, and shared inspiration. It was great to see everyone’s artistic vision come to life in a relaxed, supportive environment. We loved the energy and can’t wait to see what we create together next time!
May 2026
May was an incredibly active month – starting with an ESC team volunteering project. For two weeks, volunteers from Latvia, Portugal, Türkiye, Hungary, Romania, and Italy worked together on improving the garden space around the association. The aim of the project was to prepare the area for summer activities for the local community. Besides the volunteering activities, participants also had the opportunity to visit Gdańsk and spend time together through intercultural exchange. The project ended on Friday, 29.05, with an international lunch, where volunteers shared food, conversations, and memories from the past two weeks. The project was implemented within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps programme.
Youth from Kwidzyn had an extraordinary opportunity to take part in a very special project. Between 20 and 25 May, we took part in the Erasmus+ youth exchange “United Through Outdoor Games” in Mollina, Spain. During the project, participants shared traditional outdoor games from their local communities and explored how such activities can help develop important skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and teamwork. The Polish group was represented by Nadia, Karolina, Alicja, Halszka, Patrycja, and the group leader Julia.
May in Youth Space was filled with activities! For example, on 30th of May young people organized a community BBQ as a great way to welcome the upcoming summer. The event brought together participants for an afternoon full of conversations, shared meals, music, and a relaxed atmosphere. It was not only an opportunity to spend time together, but also a chance for young people to take initiative and co-create activities for the local community. The BBQ became a positive start to the summer season and a space for integration, new connections, and good energy.
April 2026
We have completed a report on the determination of the historical boundaries of the former Jewish cemetery. This work provides a documented basis for respecting the site’s heritage while planning its future use. An agreement has also been signed for the lease of the former Jewish cemetery located on Kościuszki Street which is a great milestone for our Association. The site will become a dedicated space for activities and outdoor sessions organized by the Youth Space initiative. In the upcoming months, the project will focus on constructing a perimeter fence and preparing the area for safe and meaningful use. All planned actions will be carried out with attention to the historical significance of the site and its appropriate stewardship.
Here you can see some pictures how it looks like now ↓
Stay tuned for more updates!
March 2026
On Tuesday, 24 March 2026, a meeting was held at the Youth Space as a part of our project. The session brought together young participants to collectively reflect on the concept of safety within youth environments and to explore practical ways of fostering inclusive, supportive, and respectful spaces.
During the meeting, participants engaged in discussions focused on identifying key principles, rules, and behaviors that contribute to building a safe space. Through collaborative group work, they had the opportunity to exchange perspectives, co-create solutions, and actively shape a shared understanding of what safety means in their communities. This participatory approach encouraged open dialogue, mutual respect, and critical thinking.
An important element of the session was the analysis of real-life scenarios that young people may encounter in their daily lives. Participants worked together to examine these situations and develop appropriate responses, strengthening their ability to react thoughtfully and responsibly in challenging circumstances. This practical component aimed to equip them with tools and strategies that can be applied beyond the workshop setting.
The meeting not only supported the development of interpersonal and social competencies but also reinforced the importance of empowerment, active participation, and community-building among young people.
On Saturday, 28.03.2026, we organized Easter workshops in the Youth Space. During the session, young participants had the opportunity to create their own holiday decorations – from colorful ornaments to creative, spring-inspired compositions. The activity encouraged self-expression, creativity, and the development of manual skills through hands-on work and experimentation with different techniques. Beyond the artistic aspect, the workshop also created a safe and welcoming environment for interaction. Participants could connect with each other, exchange ideas, and spend time together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. This activity reflects one of the core aims of the project: creating spaces where young people feel comfortable, engaged, and empowered to express themselves.
On 10–16 March 2026, young representatives of the Municipal and District Public Library in Kwidzyn took part in an international youth exchange in Alicante, Spain. The library was represented by members of two active groups: the Model-Making Club (Bartek and Kuba) and the Manga Club (Weronika and Maciek).
The mobility was carried out by the GivEUvoice project and organized by Stowarzyszenie Akwedukt. Thanks to this initiative, participants had the opportunity to meet peers from various European countries, collaborate on shared activities, and gain valuable international experience.
During the exchange, participants developed skills related to creating and animating local cultural spaces. They also exchanged ideas and presented initiatives implemented within our library. The group was supervised by Angela Strzelec, who supported the participants throughout the entire stay.
The project focused on strengthening social and communication competences, as well as empowering young people to co-create local cultural environments that foster artistic expression and civic engagement. Particularly noteworthy was the high level of integration – both within the group itself and with participants from other countries. The young people demonstrated openness, strong cooperation, and readiness to act, which translated into a positive atmosphere and effective project outcomes.
Overall, the exchange proved to be a highly valuable and inspiring experience for everyone involved.
February 2026
This month was marked by a heartwarming celebration of friendship and togetherness as we gathered to celebrate Valentine’s Day. For us, this day is about much more than just a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within our youth community and celebrate the positive relationships that make our space so special. The youth took the lead in transforming our office, spending their afternoon crafting handmade decorations that filled the rooms with color and warmth. From delicate paper hearts to creative wall displays, every detail was a reflection of the collaborative spirit and imagination of our participants, who worked side-by-side to create an inviting atmosphere for everyone.
Beyond the decorations, the focus of the month was on quality time and shared experiences. We used this festive occasion as a reason to slow down and simply enjoy each other’s company, creating a relaxed environment where young people could talk, laugh, and integrate in an informal setting. Whether it was through small creative tasks or casual conversations over tea, the celebration highlighted the importance of belonging and mutual support. For our international volunteers and local youth alike, these moments of connection are the foundation of what we do – building a kind, inclusive, and vibrant community where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
January 2026
January at Akwedukt was a vibrant celebration of diversity, bringing a world of culture directly to our local youth through a series of three unique interactive meetings. We kicked off our activities in the kitchen with a culinary masterclass led by Sándor, who turned our space into a hub for teamwork and skill-building. Sándor shared his expertise and passion, teaching participants that preparing a meal is about much more than just a recipe – it is about communication and the joy of creating something together. Whether mastering the perfect pasta or discovering new kitchen techniques, the youth gained practical skills and confidence in a supportive, international atmosphere.
The journey continued with an immersive presentation of Spain, where our volunteers brought the sunny spirit of the Iberian Peninsula to Kwidzyn. It was a true feast for the senses, allowing participants to move beyond typical guidebooks and experience authentic stories alongside the chance to taste traditional dishes. The month’s cultural exploration concluded with a special Moroccan evening that transported everyone to the heart of North Africa. Beyond discovering the rich customs of the country, the youth engaged in a creative workshop making intricate mini-mosaics, learning firsthand about the patience and artistry that define Moroccan craftsmanship. Together, these three events perfectly illustrate what Akwedukt stands for: a place where young people expand their horizons and build lasting connections through shared, hands-on experiences.
December 2025
As December arrived, our building was filled with a warm, festive glow, thanks to the annual holiday traditions led by our local youth community. True to our mission of creating a space that belongs to the young people themselves, we dedicated several afternoons to hand-crafting unique ornaments and transforming our headquarters into a cozy winter haven. It was a beautiful sight to see participants of all ages coming together, trading creative ideas, and using sustainable materials to design everything from intricate paper stars to personalized decorations that now bring a touch of magic to every corner of our youth space.
This seasonal makeover was about much more than just aesthetics; it served as a meaningful way to slow down and build community at the end of a busy year. This collaborative effort turned the simple act of decorating into a lesson in cultural exchange and teamwork, reminding us that Akwedukt is a place where every season is an opportunity to learn from one another. By the time the final lights were hung, our space had become a true reflection of the shared energy and spirit of our youth, ready to welcome everyone for the winter celebrations.
November 2025
In November, we gathered at Akwedukt to celebrate a significant milestone for our local youth community – the official conclusion of a transformative project led by our talented animator, Oliwia. Over the course of several weeks, a group of dedicated young people embarked on a journey to master the art of peer mediation and constructive conflict resolution. This initiative was born from the belief that young leaders have the power to shape a more empathetic and understanding environment within their own peer groups. By shifting the focus from external discipline to internal dialogue, the project equipped participants with the essential life skills needed to navigate disagreements with maturity and respect.
The grand finale held this November was a heartening moment for everyone involved, as our animator Oliwia officially presented the certificates to our newly trained mediators. It was more than just a formal ceremony; it was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the commitment these young individuals showed toward making their schools and social circles better places. Throughout the project, the youth engaged in deep discussions and practical exercises that challenged their perspectives and strengthened their communication abilities. As an organization committed to non-formal education and international standards of youth work, we are incredibly proud to see these graduates ready to apply their skills in the real world, proving that when given the right tools and trust, the youth can lead the way in social harmony.
October 2025
At Akwedukt we believe that a youth space is only truly alive when the young people themselves take ownership of it. In October, our center in Kwidzyn underwent a complete transformation, all thanks to the creativity and energy of our local youth. Co-creating a space for everyone: In line with our mission of fostering active citizenship and self-expression, we handed over the “keys” to the decor to our young participants. Throughout October, Akwedukt turned into a creative workshop where spider webs, hand-crafted pumpkins, and eerie silhouettes were designed from scratch. More than just decorations: For us, decorating for Halloween is about more than just aesthetics. It was a perfect opportunity for: Teamwork – Planning the layout and executing the vision required cooperation between different age groups. Creative expression – Using simple materials and a lot of imagination, the youth proved that they can transform any space into something magical.
A hub for youth energy The result was a spooky yet cozy atmosphere that hosted our October youth meetings and film screenings. This initiative is just one of the many ways we encourage young people to feel at home at Akwedukt – where their ideas literally shape the walls around them.
