In today’s world, it’s not enough to just know theory from school. It is important to try things in practice, experiment and solve problems, and that’s exactly what the Slovak project Rozbehni sa! helps with.
The goal is to show young people that an idea can be turned into a real experience, and to give them the tools and support to validate it in practice. Students gain experiential learning in entrepreneurship, test their ideas, and learn to take the first steps towards real results.
Students were exceptionally active
Over 1700 high school students from 50+ schools participated in four Rozbehni sa! webinars this year. Juraj Kováč, the project founder, says:
“What surprised me most was that teachers handled everything very promptly, and schools signed up in droves. During the webinars, students were extremely active – dozens of questions were asked, and we only managed to answer perhaps 25%. This is a strong signal that young people are genuinely interested in entrepreneurship.”
Students were particularly interested in the authentic stories of guests, who started from scratch, made mistakes, and gradually grew.
“Young people saw a real path in them, not an ‘unattainable success’. That motivated them,” explains Juraj.
The biggest “aha” moments occurred when students realized that a good idea can be found quickly and validating it is not rocket science. Many were surprised that even simple testing – for example, showing the concept to other people – can provide clear feedback.
Why encourage young people to be entrepreneurial?
According to Juraj, it is important to encourage young people to be entrepreneurial precisely at this age:
“At this age, they build a mentality that will influence them for years to come. Entrepreneurship teaches them to see opportunities, solve problems, and have the courage to take the first step. And the younger one is, the easier it is to start – without a mortgage or family obligations.”
Rozbehni sa! complements school education by allowing students to experience entrepreneurship firsthand – from idea, through its testing, to initial practical experience.
“Students try everything out with real ideas, which regular schooling often doesn’t have time to cover,” says Juraj.
Case Study: Patrik and LOVATEA
During the seminar, Patrik from Žiar nad Hronom came up with the idea of combining herbs, honey, and lemon into a practical capsule. After validating customer interest, he gradually developed the first prototype, and today his brand LOVATEA operates as a full-fledged business.
“This semester was one of the best in my life… Since the beginning of high school, I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur, and you helped me fulfill my dream!”
A message for schools and young people
Juraj has a clear message: “To start as soon as possible. Every year it gets harder – more responsibilities, more stress, less courage to try. They have nothing to lose by trying, and what’s more, they get high-quality, very practical education here for free.”
Rozbehni sa! teaches young people not only to think, but also to act, gives them self-confidence and shows them that they can create their own opportunities.
“Exholoritník means that I started from scratch – without money, without experience, without contacts. Only with the enthusiasm to create something useful. That’s why today I teach young people to start even when they don’t have everything perfectly prepared,” adds Juraj.
TEXT: Natália Stašíková
PHOTO: Rozbehni sa!
