– The Student Council and the City Assembly have already expressed the need for a youth community space where students can organize programs and have a good time after school – began Olah Senji, head of the Szolnok Youth Community Square. – Our basic concept was to create a safe space for local youth. I worked on the project for a long time with Marton Kiss, the former president of Szevon, with whom we had several ideas for the name of the area, but the guys decided on the name Szevon.
Three years ago, on September 9, 2020, the Zolnok Youth Community Square opened its doors to young people.
In the beginning, our story was full of life, as we opened in September 2020, but had to close immediately due to the virus.
– Follow Csenge.
Photo: Kasaba Elis
– However, like most organizations, we did not give up either, as we remained continuously active online. Then, in June 2020, it reopened, thanks to which more and more young people learned about this community space. Finally, a central, safe place was created for young people. First of all, we want to appeal to young people between the ages of fourteen and twenty-nine, but it is mostly high school students who spend the most time with us. Fortunately, their interest in the community space remains undiminished, so I can say that there are approximately twenty people who I can describe as a solid core,” he revealed.
The past period has not been easy either for Shivon, who has been based at the Abba Novak Agora Cultural Center since the end of October.
The young leader admitted, “All changes are difficult, and I had reservations about this step.” – We continue the life of Siphon in a more familiar environment, but sometimes we have the opportunity to open it with the hall. The first and most important thing for me is that I don’t want to burden the students unnecessarily, because most of them come here to talk and relax. There is an opportunity to play board games, watch movies, football or even study. In addition, I’d like to create movie reviews and afternoon quizzes, as well as a very current topic: Hot Chocolate Days.
Young people love these programs one by one, but I notice that they enjoy them more when they can listen to each other and talk.
Youth Square in Zolnok welcomes young people every day of the week from one in the afternoon until six in the evening.
Siphon’s popularity is well demonstrated by the fact that students usually stay until closing time. In fact, every once in a while – like on the opening day of the new place – we had a little time – Ras Siphon smiled. – I believe that during these few years we have been able to create a circle of trust with young people. All this is evident in the fact that as soon as they arrive, the first thing they do is not to start playing or talking on the phone, but to be present, talk, pay attention to each other and have a good time together. Our goal is to preserve all this and, if possible, pass it on.
