The Simona Kijonková Foundation has officially launched operations of its first comprehensive Smajlíček leisure-time center in Mělník, Central Bohemia. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting took place in the presence of Simona Kijonková, founder of the Simona Kijonková Foundation, and Tomáš Martinec, Mayor of the City of Mělník. The Smajlíček center was established to provide a safe and welcoming environment for children aged 6 and young people up to 18, particularly those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Smajlíček is a place where children can spend their free time meaningfully, develop their skills, support their physical and mental well-being, and grow - free of charge.
“Philanthropy has been a part of my life since a young age. I grew up in a socially excluded area in Karlovy Vary, in poverty and deprivation, and from the age of 13 I worked to help support my mother. I dreamed of a place like Smajlíček from childhood—a place where I could spend time safely, play with other children, be heard, and above all simply be a child,” says Simona Kijonková, founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Simona Kijonková Foundation. “I am happy that today we can offer exactly this kind of environment to children who need it most. Smajlíček has already completed two months of pilot operation, and I can tell you that the stories of the children I meet here are incredibly powerful and moving. We have very talented children who sing, dance, or play musical instruments. We provide them with a space where they can develop their abilities and skills, and through meaningful leisure-time activities avoid risky situations that are often very difficult to escape from. This is just the beginning, and many more Smajlíček leisure-time centers will be opening across the Czech Republic in the future,” Kijonková adds.
“Building Smajlíček was a major challenge and a lot of work. We took over the premises in April and spent roughly two months gradually renovating and improving them. Over the summer, we then launched a pilot operation, testing what worked best for the children and what they were missing. The feedback from both children and parents has been absolutely amazing. We already have many stories confirming that what we are doing is truly needed. The children have found a safe place they like to return to, and every day we see how Smajlíček helps them develop their skills, interests, and above all their self-confidence. That is a huge motivation for us to continue,” says Klára Chadzivasilis, Project Manager of the Smajlíček leisure-time centers. “Of course, this is not the end—quite the opposite. We are currently in the process of applying for registration as a social service provider so that we can work with children more intensively and offer broader, follow-up support. This is our current priority,” Chadzivasilis adds.
Smajlíček provides children and young people up to the age of 18 with a free, safe, and friendly environment where they can spend their free time. The pilot operation of the center began on July 9, 2025, and during the summer holidays the center recorded a total of 186 visits. The center offers a wide range of free leisure-time activities and clubs, such as dance, music, inline skating with an instructor, ceramics, English lessons, and work with IT technologies or a 3D printer. At the same time, it supports education and will soon focus on developing digital and financial literacy, English language learning, and homework assistance. The center is now transitioning into full operation and is open Monday to Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
