We are a not for profit organisation running activities which benefit Czech and Slovak families and individuals living in Bristol and its surrounding areas, and anyone from the local community wishing to learn about our cultures, history, languages and customs.
Our main activities include:
- Czech and Slovak School based in Summerhill Academy in St George (every other Saturday, school-term only)
- Stonožka Playgroup and Centre for CS families with children aged 0-5 years old in Meadow Vale Community Centre in Speedwell (every Wednesday)
- Czech and Slovak Library and (reading) story times and book plays in St George Library
- Various annual and ad hoc cultural events open to everyone in various Bristol locations.
Our Saturday school is now attended by more than 100 children aged between 3 to 16 years. They, as well as their parents, benefit from access to education that supports the advancement of ability in the Czech and Slovak languages. We strive for a community that enables bilingual children to feel secure and confident in their identities, where they can enrich their understanding of the culture of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
We not only provide language education for children and their families, but also opportunities for them to engage in play, sport and cultural activities in the Czech and Slovak medium so children can build friendships with each other and become capable and outward-looking European citizens.
We also provide opportunities for Czech and Slovak communities in Bristol and the surrounding areas to socialise and take part in cultural activities that promote Czech and Slovak culture and bilingual identities. These include International Children’s Day celebrations, special Christmas and Easter events, St Nicholas‘ celebrations, Kite Festival, reading campaigns such as A Night with Andersen, and many more.
People belonging to the Czech and Slovak communities benefit from cultural and social activities that strengthen their sense of community and develop historic and family ties between the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the UK. Our activities encourage families to get to know and support each other so they have the capability to support bilingual and bi-cultural identities in the next generation.
Although the nature of our organisation may seem exclusive it is important to us that we provide opportunities for the Bristol community to come and engage in our activities and get togethers. Families and individuals from any backgrounds are always welcome. We want to be part of Bristol’s diverse community now and in the future.
As a community interest company, we are run by a board of directors supported by a great team of skilled teachers, assistants and volunteers. Our directors are Eva Danková, Eva Stloukalová and Veronika Dvořáčková. Please get in touch if you would like more information, a visit to our school and/or want to get involved. Contact us on info@cscsbristol.co.uk.