Bc. David Kaszper

24 years oldOstravaOstravak

Running for Ostravak

Main topics

young people

I propose setting up a Youth Engagement Committee as an advisory body of the city, whose main task will be to systematically find out the real needs of young people in Ostrava. It's not about another formal group, but a way to regularly gather input on housing, transport, safety, public space, culture, sport or mental health. The committee would connect young people, schools, student initiatives, organisations working with young people and experts. It would collect input through meetings in the city districts, school parliaments, open calls and debates on the ground. The city should then publicly state which proposals it will use, which it won't and why. That way young people aren't just survey respondents, but a source of experience for better decision-making by the city.

public space

Public space isn't just a collection of streets, parks and playgrounds. It's a place for meeting, movement, neighbourly relations and everyday life. If Ostrava wants to appeal to young people and young families, it has to be safe, well maintained and attractive for children, teenagers and adults alike. Within the city district, we want to work on revitalising the Dolina playground and the area by Raketa. We need to deal not only with how the place looks, but above all with safety – including discarded syringes. The solution should be regular cleaning and supervision, good lighting, landscaping, suitable equipment and involving local residents. Home doesn't end at your front door. Good public space gives people a reason to spend time outside, build a relationship with their neighbourhood and see Ostrava as a city where they want to live.

schools and education

Leisure activities aren't just "childminding after school". They are a space for developing talent, independence, cooperation and healthy relationships. Here children and young people can discover their strengths in sport, art, technology, science and civic activities. I want to support an accessible and varied range of clubs, open youth clubs, camps, sports teams and informal activities in all parts of Ostrava. The city should connect schools, leisure centres, clubs and associations, support qualified leaders and help children who otherwise couldn't take part because of their financial or social situation. Meaningfully spent free time is an investment in developing talent, preventing risky behaviour and young people's relationship with their community and city.

A few words about me

My name is David Kaszper and I'm running for the Ostravak movement. Although I originally come from somewhere else, Ostrava has gradually become home for me – a place of study, work and people who inspire me. In my view, a relationship with a city doesn't come just from being born there, but from everyday life and the chance to influence something. I'm in the final year of education studies in Ostrava. Since the age of sixteen I have been active in youth organisations, where I learned that young people don't just need a programme "for them", but also the space to create it together. Today I work full-time as a leisure-time educator. Besides working directly with children and young people, I run one of the organisation's buildings and am responsible for its day-to-day operation, the team and a safe environment for visitors. I also work as an instructor of leisure activities, mainly in the area of youth participation. At workshops I help young people formulate their opinions, look for shared solutions and turn ideas into concrete projects. I believe the city should offer young people a real opportunity to be heard and to take part in decision-making. In my spare time you'll find me on football pitches as a referee. This sport teaches me responsibility, respect for the rules, quick assessment of situations and communication under pressure. I'm entering local politics with the practical experience of someone who works with young people, leads a team and lives the everyday life of the city. I want to contribute to an Ostrava that is open, safe and gives people across generations the space to live, get involved and feel at home.

The candidate's texts have been machine-translated from Czech.