Outstanding recreational programs honored at showcase event
The youth centers Hólmasel and Laugó, along with the after-school program Vinaheimar, received the 2025 School and Recreation Council incentive awards for outstanding recreational activities.
The VAXANDI project also received recognition for strong collaboration, a joint initiative between Tjörnin Recreation Center and the School of Education at the University of Iceland. The awards and recognition were presented this morning at "Höfuðið í bleyti" (Heads Together), the showcase event for Reykjavík recreation centers, held at Hitt Húsið.
A platform for exchanging ideas
The showcase event serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, with work taking place in workshops about interesting projects. Projects included Helpers at After-School Programs, the Youth Center Simulator, Boys Talk, Prosperity for the Future – a 7th grade project in Upper Breiðholt, Literacy in a Broad Context, Democracy Day, Podcasting at Tjörnin After-School Programs, Empowerment of Young People from Minority Groups, and many more.
Information about the award-winning projects and justification for the incentive awards are as follows:
The Youth Center Simulator
The selection committee chose the Youth Center Simulator at Hólmasel for its original and sincere approach to parent cooperation in youth center activities. By inviting parents to participate in youth center activities as "simulators" and giving them the opportunity to experience what teenagers themselves do, a bridge is built between home and the youth center. This project strengthens connections, increases understanding and promotes greater participation and trust. The project is unique nationwide and clearly demonstrates how creative thinking can transform traditional communication channels and make a real impact.
The Club Activity Helper
The selection committee awarded the Club Activity Helper (Klúbbastarfshjálparinn) at Vinaheimar after-school program for creating a simple yet powerful tool that supports staff in creating valuable opportunities for children and teenagers in recreational activities. The handbook provides clear vision and practical tools that promote creativity, participation and interest. It enhances professionalism and stimulates program development by utilizing staff strengths and interests. This exemplifies how well-developed guidance can have far-reaching effects and strengthen both operations and staff for the future.
Laugó Democracy Festival
The Democracy Festival at Laugó youth center receives an incentive award for its progressive and creative approach to democratic participation of children and teenagers. The project deepened and made democracy work visible through artistic expression, council activities and active influence on the youth center's operations. This exemplifies a project that puts democracy in context with young people's daily lives and strengthens their voice, responsibility and creativity – in the spirit of the Education Policy and youth democracy.
VAXANDI – collaborative project
The selection committee recognized VAXANDI for strong collaboration between Tjörnin Recreation Center and the University of Iceland's School of Education, and for development work supporting social-emotional skills of children, teenagers and staff in recreational activities. The project is built on academic foundations and positive psychology, showing clear impact on the work environment and well-being. By providing staff with clear tools and guidance, VAXANDI has created lasting change in culture and professionalism in recreational activities. The project is an excellent example of successful collaboration between academia and practice.
