Hubs4Teens – Places Where Young People Feel Welcome and Learning Makes Sense

Škola dokorán – Wide Open School n.o., in cooperation with the UniCredit Foundation and partners from six countries, is launching the Hubs4Teens project. Its goal is to support students aged 11 to 15 who need more motivation, encouragement, and opportunities to develop their potential – both at school and beyond.

Connecting Schools, Families, and Communities

The project brings an inclusive approach that bridges formal and non-formal education. Through close cooperation among schools, families, and community centres, it creates environments where children can learn, create, and discover their strengths. The focus is on developing social, emotional, and financial skills that help young people navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

From Play Hubs to Hubs4Teens

Hubs4Teens builds on the successful Play Hubs model, which has been helping young children and their parents learn through play since 2017. The new concept extends this idea to older students, creating vibrant learning spaces where school, community, and curiosity come together.

How It Works

The project unfolds in three steps:

1. Self-assessment of schools and communities – identifying students’ needs and strengths.
2. Joint planning – forming local action teams of teachers, community workers, and parents.
3. Activities in Hubs4Teens – regular tutoring, creative workshops, experiential learning, and youth-led initiatives.

In Slovakia, the project is being implemented for example at the Primary and Nursery School in Spišský Hrhov, where teachers, parents, and the community work hand in hand to create a safe and inspiring space for every child.

Outcomes and Long-Term Impact

By the end of the project, partners will develop a practical toolkit for school–community cooperation, enabling others to apply and adapt this approach in different contexts. Each partner brings extensive experience in working with disadvantaged communities, and together they are developing a system of proven interventions that schools can choose from according to their specific needs.

International Collaboration

The project is funded by the UniCredit Foundation through the Edu-Fund platform and implemented by a consortium of organisations from six countries:

• Lead partner: Škola dokorán – Wide Open School n.o. (Slovakia)
• Implementing partners: Partners Hungary (Hungary), Educational Research Institute (Slovenia), Open Academy Step by Step (Croatia), APS Cubo Libro (Italy)
• External partner: ICDI – International Child Development Initiative (Netherlands)

TheHubs4Teens project offers a new way for schools and communities to work together to help young people grow, learn, and believe in themselves.

Read interesting articles to learn about topics related to the project.