From Tutoring to Transformation – Two Czech Brothers Are Reshaping Education for Ninth-Graders - ICAP-International Committee of Artist for Peace

In the Czech Republic, two young brothers – Honza and David Šťastný – are quietly leading an educational movement that blends academic support with mentorship, purpose, and community. Their story is a testament to how youth-led initiatives can foster peace by empowering others through learning.

Raised in a family deeply rooted in education and entrepreneurship, Honza, 21, and David, 18 – whose surname, Šťastný, literally means “happy” in Czech – grew up surrounded by stories of resilience and service. Their mother, Eliska Šťastná Veltruská, a preschool and primary school teacher, traveled to England to study English and later earned a degree in economics before working for an international company. After her second pregnancy, she chose to stay home and focus on raising her children under the values passed down from her grandparents, who faced persecution during the Communist era. Eliska’s mother was a pediatrician specializing in childhood illnesses, and her father was an army musician. These influences – medical care, music, and education – formed a tapestry of compassion, discipline, and creativity that she passed on to her sons.

Eliska’s own parents also shaped her worldview: her mother was a pediatrician specializing in childhood illnesses, and her father was an army musician. These influences – medical care, music, and education – formed a tapestry of compassion, discipline, and creativity that she passed on to her sons.

Their father, Jiří Šťastný, overcame a difficult childhood marked by conflict with his mother and found warmth and guidance from his grandmother. Inspired by American television dramas like Dallas and Dynasty, and the film Pretty Woman, Jiří pursued success in his career with determination. He began investing in real estate even before earning his economics degree, and despite betrayals by business partners, he remained resilient. His decade-long campaign to build a bridge that preserved a local vineyard – collecting over a hundred petitions – demonstrated his commitment to community and perseverance in the face of bureaucracy.

A Youth-Led Movement Rooted in Mentorship

While still in grammar school, Honza began tutoring ninth-graders in math and Czech language to help them prepare for high school entrance exams. What started as a modest online effort quickly evolved into a collaborative, in-person initiative when his friend Michael proposed using a vacant classroom in Jiří’s business. They recruited fellow students to teach, creating a peer-led model that empowered young tutors to earn income while mentoring others.

David soon joined the effort, taking on administrative leadership and helping scale the program across the country. Today, their initiative reaches over 1,200 students in 59 locations, supported by 90 student-tutors. The organization partners with top universities and operates through a decentralized management system, where each regional leader builds relationships with schools and communities.

Education as a Path to Peace

At its core, the brothers’ work is focused on more than academic achievement. It prioritizes creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can grow intellectually and emotionally. Their model fosters empathy, collaboration, and purpose – values that are essential to peacebuilding.

By mentoring younger students, university-aged tutors gain leadership experience and a sense of responsibility. The ripple effect is profound: students not only improve their test scores but also build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

The Role of Creativity and Vision

Honza and David’s vision for the future includes integrating the arts and technology into their platform. They plan to develop immersive learning tools – such as virtual reality modules for math and science – and mentorship programs that include creative expression, storytelling, and career exploration.

Whether through music, visual design, or collaborative projects, the brothers aim to help students discover their voices and use them to shape a more peaceful world.

A Blueprint for Youth Empowerment

The Šťastný brothers are building more than an educational network – they’re cultivating a generation of changemakers. Their plans include:

AI-powered learning systems tailored to individual student needs

Scholarship funds for economically disadvantaged youth

Teacher training programs to ensure quality and consistency

International expansion to Slovakia and Poland

Career mentorship connecting students with professionals across disciplines

By combining youthful energy with a deep commitment to others, Honza and David are helping shape a future where education is not just a tool for advancement – but a bridge to peace.

Their story is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with a simple act of service. In many ways, the brothers’ journey reflects the meaning of their name – a quiet symbol of the happiness they bring to others through mentorship, learning, and connection. By helping students find confidence in their abilities and purpose in their paths, Honza and David are not only building an educational network – they’re cultivating joy, resilience, and peace, one young mind at a time.