Czech beekeeping clubs: engaging the youth in beekeeping
The importance of education
As this generation of beekeepers is getting older, we need to think about the next one. We have to train new young beekeepers in order to stay sustainable and protect the bees for the future.
This is where the clubs for young beekeepers come in. In general, countries in Central Europe are great at working with their young ones. Especially here, in the Czech Republic. The system of beekeeping clubs and competitions is well developed and we believe many other countries could gain a lot by seeing it and getting inspired by it. As a way of showcasing it to the public, we have decided to write this mini series of articles.
From a young age
In the Czech Republic, we are trying to stimulate interest in nature and beekeeping at a young age. Some beekeepers go to kindergartens and primary schools and show children the world of bees in a fun way. They show them that bees, but also other pollinators, are a really important part of our nature. The children are usually also given bread with honey or honey butter and honey lemonade, or they can sweeten their tea with honey.
Beekeepers often bring their own beekeeping equipment. Most often hives, then protective equipment, which they lend to the children. This makes the talk much more interesting for the children.
Exposition for the wide public
We need to attract the wider public of older ages too. There are few really big national and international expositions in the Czech Republic helping us achieve this. They are attended by the wide public, and many people who aren’t beekeepers yet, actually consider becoming one after their visit. So if we make a great impression on them, they will probably become new beekeepers.
On these expositions there are many different activities such as: honey degustations, lectures, meetings with authors of beekeeping literature, inventors and many amazing workshops.
There are also many stalls where a vast array of bee products, woodwork, beehives, beekeeping equipment, candles and molds for candles, etc. is sold.
These items are a big lure for the wide public.
Jan Kopáček, Lukáš Loukota, Marek Matulík
Young Czech beekeepers
