Extracurricular Activities Matter, but Their Costs Are Rising
Children’s access to extracurricular and leisure activities should not depend on their family’s financial situation. Rising costs of energy, rent, equipment, transport, and instructors are, however, reflected in the prices of activities, making them increasingly difficult for some families to afford. According to a Czech Council of Children and Youth survey of more than 200 providers, 74% of them are increasing prices this year. Most often by around 5%, and in some cases by up to 15%.
For many families, price is the decisive barrier. Without a contribution, 22% of families involved in the project would not be able to pay for any organised leisure activity for their child.
Support That Opens the Door to Extracurricular Activities
In the next round of the project, launched on 16 September 2026, EUR 164,000 was allocated to support families. Just one day after the launch, the Czech Council of Children and Youth increased this amount by EUR 20,500, thanks to the support of the project’s long term partners. The funding from the new call was quickly distributed among applicants, and hundreds more families are waiting for support. Parents can apply for a contribution until 24 November 2026 directly on the Supporting Activities for Children website.
Families can receive up to EUR 61 per child per semester through three vouchers worth EUR 20.50 each. Over a school year, the support can therefore amount to up to EUR 123 per child. Families in material need can receive up to EUR 205 per year per child aged 3 to 18 through a special call.
The contribution is now sent not to parents, but directly to leisure activity providers.
„Even smaller contributions matter. When more individual donors join forces, we can support more children who are currently waiting for help. This is not about raising every child to become a professional athlete or musician. It is about making sure that a child does not have to give up an activity they enjoy, that helps them develop, and that keeps them part of a group.“
One Click Can Change a Child’s Story
To reach as many children as possible with this support, the Czech Council of Children and Youth, whose project is backed by partners from the private, non‑profit, and public sectors, is now also reaching out to individual donors.
The One Click Changes a Child’s Story campaign, prepared by the creative agency Loosers, is aimed precisely at them. Its main motif is a QR code that makes it possible to donate within seconds. In the visuals, the QR code also replaces a missing part of sports equipment or another item, showing in a concrete way how a donation can help a child.
The public can contribute with a one off or regular donation, in any amount. Every gift helps make leisure activities accessible to more children who would otherwise have to go without them.
Let’s help children stay with what they enjoy. Just scan the QR code in the campaign or visit Supporting Activities for Children: One Click.
Photo Credit:
- Opening photo of the article: Zuzana Havlínová
- Photo of Iva Bízová: loosers.cz
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