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Date:
27 Sept 2025
Varnsdorf: A partnership that transforms schools and vacant buildings
Sometimes all it takes is to come and offer a helping hand. After our first visits to Varnsdorf, we managed to establish an intensive collaboration with the city administration. It wasn't just words – we are building on a two-year preventative programme in schools implemented by the Local Action Group in collaboration with the city, and we are providing support in the NFMD facilities at a symbolic rent.
We managed to establish a very close and effective cooperation with the city of Varnsdorf. It all started with the presentation of our foundation fund and a simple offer to participate in solving pressing issues.
The results arrived quickly. Through the Local Action Group (LAG), a two-year preventive program was launched in selected primary schools in Varnsdorf. Its aim is to support and guide children, families, and teachers, as well as to timely provide other supportive activities at specialized workplaces. At the same time, we offered our know-how and methodologies for preventing the risk of children in crisis situations.
Coordination directly in the field
To ensure smooth cooperation, one of the workers on this project has also become the NFMD coordinator for the city of Varnsdorf and the entire Šluknov area. Together with our regional coordinator, they are now preparing to purchase iSophi diagnostic tools for nursery and primary schools. We are also actively looking for other partners who could financially contribute to the purchase of equipment alongside NFMD.
This synergy allows us to expand preventive work to more schools in Varnsdorf and the surrounding area. We are already thinking together about how to ensure the continuation of activities even after this pilot project ends, and we are looking for ways to achieve multi-source funding.
A new life for old buildings
Our support also has a very tangible form. We offered the city a part of the building on Ševčíková Street, where there is a certified healthcare facility. We provide this space for a symbolic rent, so that the project's workers can use it as a base for their activities and potentially organise activities for children and parents here. The development of cooperation will show whether in the future we will find uses for other parts of this building.
Another major step is the future of the villa on Jarošova Street and its adjacent large garden. In December 2025, we agreed on renting it – again for a symbolic rent – to the Local Action Group (MAS Český sever – Varnsdorf). We will further discuss the specific use of this beautiful space starting from January 2026.