Meeting in Czechia

Media and Public Opinion

14th – 17th September 2026 – Prostějov and Olomouc, Czech Republic

Students from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria came together in Prostějov for the international project V4 Democracy in Action, which focused on democracy, European cooperation, history, media and civic responsibility.

The first day began with the arrival of two groups of ten students from Slovakia and Austria. Accompanied by their Czech peers, they toured our school and got to know one another through icebreaker activities. The students then formed international teams and headed to the centre of Prostějov to take part in a team rally. By completing various challenges, they practised cooperation and communication while discovering our town in a fun and interactive way. In the evening, the visiting students spent time with their Czech classmates, who had prepared a special programme for them.

On the second day, students from all three countries attended lessons at our school. They then visited Prostějov Town Hall, where they met the Mayor, František Jura. They learned about how the town is managed and how local authorities communicate with citizens. They also admired the beauty and uniqueness of this historic building and enjoyed a view of Prostějov from the town hall tower. The programme continued with a guided tour of the National House, one of the town’s most important cultural landmarks. After lunch, Tomáš Cibulec, Marketing Director, introduced the students to the tennis courts that host major international competitions. Together, they also discussed the role of sport in democracy. Later, during a meeting with Jana Gáborová, the spokesperson for the municipal authority, students explored how institutions communicate with the public. They even had the opportunity to experience a press conference for themselves by asking questions. The day ended with a picnic in the park, where students worked in mixed international teams to create videos promoting Prostějov.

The third day focused on the theme “History, Memory, Stories and Democracy”. The students travelled beyond Prostějov to discover important places in the region and reflect on how the past shapes our present. Their first stop was Javoříčko, where they visited the Memorial to the Victims of the Second World War. They learned about the tragic events that took place towards the end of the war and discussed the importance of historical memory and our responsibility to remember the past. After exploring the Javoříčko Caves, an important part of the region’s natural heritage, they continued to Bouzov Castle, where they discovered its history and cultural significance. Working in international groups, the students then reflected on the question: “What does democracy mean to young people today?” The day concluded with a sporting and community challenge – a bowling-style skittles tournament in mixed Czech, Slovak and Austrian teams.

The final day of the international meeting focused on democracy, history, media and responsibility. In the morning, students travelled to Olomouc to visit the Archbishop’s Palace. During the guided tour, they learned about its history and reflected on how society, values and institutions change over time. At Palacký University’s Faculty of Arts, they took part in a workshop on student journalism. Working in international teams, they experienced the work of young journalists by developing their own topics, researching information, discussing ideas and preparing media outputs. In the historic centre of Olomouc, they also participated in an interactive game focused on democracy. Through various challenges, they explored the city’s history while reflecting on democratic values, civic responsibility and the importance of cooperation.

After receiving their certificates of participation, the students brought the mobility to a close and said goodbye to their international partners. The project provided everyone with valuable knowledge, new experiences and lasting friendships across the three countries. Most importantly, it reminded us that democracy is not just a topic studied at school – it is something we can all actively contribute to every day.

Agenda