The original edition of the Speechless Reconciliation developmental camp was created as the project of Rotary Club Prague International with the goal of providing a space where young people from homes for children without proper parental car can come together, regardless of their background, to build relationships and share experiences. The unique aspect of the camp is that it emphasizes values of an individual and community, active work with horses, equipment of young people with relevant experiences and encouraging participants to connect with each other through activities that promote empathy and understanding. But most importantly it aims to connect successful individuals including
Rotarians with those hoping and believing in better future.

With the theme of "Breaking Down Barriers, Building Bridges," the Speechless Reconciliation European Developmental camp 2023 offered a safe and supportive environment for 20 young people from homes for children without proper parental care from 5 different countries including Czech Republic to learn and grow. Participants engaged in a range of activities designed to promote teamwork, communication
skills, future planning, skills and talent identification and leadership abilities, as well as cultural exchange and personal development.

The camp provided an opportunity for young people from different countries and cultures to come together and form lifelong connections. With a focus on fostering understanding and promoting intercultural connections, the Speechless Reconciliation developmental camp was a unique and valuable experience for participants.
This year1s edition of the camp was just as exciting and impactful as previous ones. We welcomed all 20 young participants and created new relationships and perspectives that were formed during this special week.

As in the previous cases, youngsters became members of the Speechless Reconciliation alumni network that currently accounts for almost 70 young individuals, that are receiving various opportunities through collaboration of the partners including Rotary clubs from various countries in the scope of the 2nd phase of the program, that is as important as the 1st phase.

We are thrilled to share that for the first time ever, we, together with the Rotary Club Ljubljana International, have organized a special reunion to celebrate our incredible journey of the Speechless Reconciliation program and to be able to reconnect with the participants from our last 3 camps.
The anticipation was high as 24 participants from 6 different countries came together in the beautiful setting of Slovenia in the northern part of Slovenia in the beautiful mountainous Pohorje. With the generous support of Rotary Club Ljubljana International, this reunion became yet another unforgettable experience.
Over the course of this gathering, we rekindled old friendships and create new memories. Activities designed to promote unity, empathy, and personal growth will be at the heart of this momentous occasion. Among the activities was our newly developed value-based leadership workshop by Matěj Keka but also very exciting workshop conducted by Bojana Košnik Čuk, the president of Rotary Club Ljubljana International, dedicated to etiquette for young audience.
Our mission remains strong—together with Rotarians from all over the world to foster understanding and forge connections that transcend borders. As we came together once again, we managed to reinforce the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in our ever-changing world and also support of youngsters without proper parental care.
A huge thank you to Rotary Club Ljubljana International for making this reunion possible. Their support and commitment to our cause are invaluable.
This special reunion marked the beginning of new adventures and lifelong friendships for many of us.

We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our recent fundraiser event organized by the Rotary Club Prague International for the Speechless Reconciliation program that took place on 3.6. at the Kaiserštejnský palác on Malá Strana in the heart of Prague. It was a night filled with laughter, heartfelt connections, and an outpouring of generosity.

With the help of Radka Rajská, the President of the Rotary Club Prague International, and with the unwavering dedication of the program's founders, Matej Keka and Tim Belon, the event was a resounding success. Their passion for making a difference in the lives of young individuals without proper parental care was evident throughout the evening.

From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in an atmosphere of excitement and positivity. The vibrant energy of the event was matched by the incredible performances that graced the stage, captivating the audience with music that touched their souls. The wonderful pianist Pavel Holubec enchanted everyone with his melodic tunes, creating an ambiance of elegance and enchantment.

The evening was not only about entertainment and networking; it was an opportunity for our community to come together and support a vital cause. The generous donations made during the tombola and auction added to the funds raised, ensuring that the Speechless Reconciliation program will continue its mission of bridging divides and bringing communities closer.
​
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees, sponsors, performers, volunteers, and supporters who made this event a resounding success. Their presence and contributions have made a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals in need.
As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, we look forward to the future with renewed determination and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for updates on the progress we'll make together, as we continue to create positive change through the Speechless Reconciliation program.

A jury consisting of Czech MEPs and a representative of a youth organization chose the "Speechless Reconciliation" project as the winner of the national round of the Charlemagne Prize for Young Europeans for 2023. Speechless Reconciliation helps young people who are transitioning from a children's home to an independent life. The award is given annually to projects that promote the common idea of Europeanness and mutual understanding based on democratic values such as respect for human dignity, freedom, equality and respect for human rights.
 
The Speechless Reconciliation program was established in February 2021 with the aim of helping young people aged 16 to 21 from children's homes and homes for children without proper parental care in the transition from their home to independent life by organizing development camps and subsequently offering opportunities for personal and professional development through online platform. "The project aims to give these young people a chance for a better future and prevent them from falling into the circle of poverty or, for example, social exclusion," describes project founder Matěj Keka. "What characterizes the Speechless Reconciliation program is that it tries to provide hope," he adds.
 
One representative of each winning national project will be invited to the award ceremony of the Charlemagne Prize for Young Europeans, which will take place on 12 May 2023 in Aachen. As part of the ceremony, three European winners will be announced, selected from national winning projects by a European jury consisting of members of the European Parliament and representatives of the Foundation for the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen. The three winning projects will receive a cash prize of €7,500, €5,000 and €2,500. In addition to the financial award, the European winners will be invited to visit the European Parliament in Brussels or Strasbourg.
 
Context
 
The Charlemagne Prize for Young Europeans is awarded annually by the European Parliament together with the Foundation for the International Charlemagne Prize in Aachen to young people between the ages of 16 and 30. The winning projects promote understanding in Europe, develop the idea of European identity and integration, encourage young people to get involved in European democracy or present real examples of Europeans living together in one community. Among the award-winning projects from previous years were, for example, youth exchange programs or art and internet projects with a European dimension.
 
On this link you can find winning projects from the preivous years.
 
Additional links:

• Website with the list of the winners of the national rounds of the Charlemagne Youth Prize 2023

 

• International Charlemagne Prize Foundation in Aachen

 

The Rotary Club of Santa Monica has shown its support for the development of young people by donating 1000 USD to the Speechless Reconciliation program. This program focuses on the growth and well-being of young people aged 16 to 21 who have experienced a lack of proper care from their parents.
The donation from the Rotary Club of Santa Monica will help to provide these young people with the resources and support they need to succeed and reach their full potential. Through the Speechless Reconciliation program, they will have the opportunity to participate in activities and experiences that will help them to develop their communication skills, teamwork abilities, and leadership qualities.
The generosity of the Rotary Club of Santa Monica is deeply appreciated by the Speechless Reconciliation program and the young people it serves. This donation will help to make a real difference in the lives of young people who may otherwise struggle to find support and resources.
The Speechless Reconciliation program is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for these young people to learn and grow. With the help of donations like this one from the Rotary Club of Santa Monica, the program can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in need.
On behalf of the Speechless Reconciliation program and the young people it serves, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club of Santa Monica for their generosity and support. Your donation will go a long way in helping these young people reach their full potential and build a brighter future for themselves.