Tomorrow we launch ATA’s newest international youth project!We are filled with excitement and joy as tomorrow marks the beginning of our Youth Exchange on Mental Health in Cristuru Secuiesc, right in the heart of Transylvania.
During the upcoming days, we will welcome young people from Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Romania for a week full of learning, sharing, and meaningful connections.
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Everything truly is better together!
My name is Andi, I’m a 24-year-old from Székelyudvarhely (Romania), and thanks to the European Solidarity Corps program, I had the chance to take part in an amazing one-month volunteering experience. Together with nine other volunteers, we spent a month helping people struggling with mental health issues and supporting the organization of a festival in the spiritual city of Częstochowa, home of the Black Madonna.
Volunteers came from all over Europe – including Spain, Italy, Ireland and France. I represented Romania, more specifically the youth of Transylvania, through the ATA organization. We volunteered at Oczami Brata, where our daily tasks included visiting the center for people with mental health challenges, getting to know the incredibly warm-hearted and dedicated residents, and brightening their day with our presence and small improvised activities. One day we sang together, another day we cooked traditional lasagna, we went painting in the city park, and even shopping.
Besides the fun and laughter, we also gained insight into various developmental activities, which are extremely beneficial for them and make everyday integration easier. For me, it was very meaningful to see how seriously this topic is taken in Poland. It inspired me to be more attentive at home as well when someone needs support and to learn how to best connect with those in need.
The highlight of our volunteering was the eFKA alternative music festival, where people struggling with mental health issues could walk through the city in a parade (there was even a brass band – yay!), and enjoy theatre, comedy and musical performances. We helped with both the preparation and follow-up work, so we got to peek behind the scenes and experience what festival organizing is really about.
We also represented this wonderful organization at an event called Family Picnic, where families from Częstochowa came together to connect. There were plenty of cool and entertaining activities for children, giving us yet another perspective of the city.
In the final days, we met local high school students at two events (one held in a school and the other a more informal gathering in a café). We shared our experiences and encouraged them to start volunteering – locally or internationally. We told them how much this program and our previous experiences have given us emotionally. I felt that we managed to truly reach them.
Thanks to this program, I came home not only with fridge magnets, but also with lots of experience and knowledge, new friendships, wonderful memories, and a touch of better self-awareness. My heart is full of gratitude for having lived all of this!
Between October 23-30, we organized a memorable eight-day Erasmus+ youth exchange filled with practical experiences, focusing on the often-discussed but less-understood topics of mental health, stress management, and self-awareness.
The program brought together 40 curious young people from Latvia, Portugal, Spain, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania – all coming to Cristuru Secuiesc to learn about mental health and share their own insights and experiences.
On the first day, playful team-building activities, a city treasure hunt, and shared evening programs helped turn strangers into a close & safe community.
Over the following days, this small team walked the path of self-discovery together. Personality development exercises, forum theatre, art therapy sessions, and stress management workshops followed one another – all with the goal of helping participants better understand themselves and learn to consciously care for their own and their peers’ mental well-being.
The program’s success was supported by guest experts as well: school psychologist Orsolya Farkas, psychologist Beáta Kiss, and yoga instructor Niki Gáspár each joined for a session to share proven practical tools for managing stress and anxiety and maintaining general mental health.
Of course, cultural exploration was also an essential part of the experience. On Sunday, we visited the magical medieval town of Sighișoara, dressed in autumn colors, and during the evenings each country had the chance to present the best of its culture – music, dances, traditions, and delicious treats. The atmosphere was always lively and joyful, making the entire week feel like a true international journey.
On the final day, the group reflected together on the experiences of the past week, looked back on their personal growth, and received their Youthpass certificates. The farewell – in harmony with the season – was a Halloween-themed celebration, both touching and cheerful, filled with hugs, gratitude, and laughter. We hope the friendships built and the knowledge gained during this exchange will stay with the participants for a long time.
Throughout the program, the young participants discovered the power of non-formal learning through a variety of methods – interactive workshops, team games, treasure hunts, and collaborative projects. The first day was all about getting to know each other, followed by activities on stress management techniques, survival and first aid skills, as well as lessons on active citizenship. On the “Skill Market” day, participants had the chance to learn from each other, covering topics such as personal finance, herbal knowledge, technological innovations, and first aid.
In the second half of the program, the focus shifted to communication and public speaking, financial and event planning skills, as well as digital tools and content creation. Participants also created CVs, motivation letters, and even video CVs – gaining immediately applicable experiences and insights.
The professional program was complemented every evening by colorful cultural nights, where participants from different countries showcased their traditions through dances, food, music, and games. Shared celebrations, birthday surprises, and excursions – such as the trip to the medieval town of Sighișoara – created unforgettable memories for all.
Involving the local community was also an important element: by joining the “Let’s Do It, Romania!” movement, the participants took part in a clean-up action together with locals in Cristuru Secuiesc.
During the “Life Skills for Students” youth exchange, the young people not only learned new skills but also built friendships, gained confidence, and discovered that the power of cooperation in a community goes beyond borders.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bA6MYswcpKzznSmH6
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a hero? You don’t need superpowers – everyday heroes are those who quietly act with attention and kindness for others. They help, comfort, or brighten our day with a smile.
For us, such a hero is Csaba Balázsi, a prominent member of the Red Cross in Odorheiu Secuiesc. That’s why we stand here, in front of the Red Cross headquarters. For him, helping is not just a job but a way of life. People trust him because he helps with a pure heart – this is also his motto. He achieved his results through persistent work, and although he has realized many dreams, he feels there’s always room to grow and always someone to help. He believes in actions over attention – perhaps that’s why he became a true role model.
Csaba’s life didn’t start easily, even though he was initially raised in a well-off family. However, in the fourth grade, everything changed: his father was arrested, and his mother, being illiterate, couldn’t work. Still, she did everything she could: collecting bottles, selling corn, to provide for her children.
Eventually, she couldn’t manage alone, and Csaba was placed in state care. The orphanage wasn’t easy for him – he couldn’t read or write and had a severe stutter. A turning point came with a special teacher, Johanna, who helped him overcome his speech problem in just two weeks. Johanna became not just a teacher but a mother figure and role model – a true everyday hero, thanks to whom Csaba’s path began to change. He realized that there are genuinely good-hearted people who selflessly want to help others and give them a chance at a new life.
After Johanna, another change came in Csaba’s life: his former neighbors learned he was in an orphanage and decided to take him in. They enrolled him in school and raised him properly, and in return, he helped with household chores. He resolved to one day give back all the good he had received. This experience deepened his commitment to humanity and helping others, which continues to guide his life.
Even as a child, he was drawn to the work of mountain rescuers, police officers, and especially firefighters – he always felt that helping was close to his heart. At thirty, he worked as a sales assistant at a gas station but soon realized it wasn’t what he wanted: people were always in a hurry, with no room for genuine connections. He always found true value in human relationships and helping others.
On a friend’s recommendation, Csaba got an opportunity with the newly forming Transylvanian Rescue Group. He immediately felt it was his path and enrolled in a six-month first aid course, spending 480 hours in the emergency department. This experience deeply moved him and confirmed that helping is his calling. Although he wasn’t accepted into the team at that time, six years later, he was called back, proving that perseverance paid off. By then, Csaba was already working passionately as an active member of the Red Cross.
A new opportunity arose: he could serve at the downtown Unitarian congregation in Odorheiu Secuiesc, where he also received a service apartment—finally fulfilling his old dream of having a dog. This new role not only provided a home but also allowed for community involvement. He assists in events like the Artz festival and the Omnium sports olympics and actively participates in various community projects of the National Dávid Ferenc Youth Association (ODFIE), inspiring us to help selflessly.
This lifestyle, however, brings significant challenges. In 2024, when the dormitory of the Tamási Áron High School in Odorheiu Secuiesc collapsed, Csaba participated in the rescue operations. He recalled that during such times, he blocks out everything else and focuses solely on helping, even risking his life. That’s what happened that day when he fought through fire and water for the students’ safety.
Csaba’s positive personality and selfless attitude leave a deep impression on people. A good example is his relationship with the Off-Road community: he managed to integrate into the group of rugged, off-road men and motivated them for charitable purposes. Today, they not only drive off-road for fun but also participate in searching for missing persons – thus, the previously aimlessly burned fuel now has purpose. Csaba’s pride and joy were evident in the interview—such impact is rare and provides a true example for others.
Recently, Csaba became a member of the national rescue network – meaning he can be deployed immediately in any national emergency. His face showed the quiet pride that comes from being able to help even more people.
He’s driven not by heroism but by sincere dedication: day by day, with a pure heart, ready to help in any situation. If necessary, he would risk his life for others – that’s what makes him a true hero. Csaba doesn’t just work – he LIVES to make the world a better place, and those around him can feel it.
Behind every community stand people whose quiet strength, resilience, and dedication make a real difference. In the YouthINC project, our young ambassadors set out to discover such heroes – ordinary individuals with extraordinary impact. From healers of nature to voices of truth and tireless helpers, their stories remind us that heroism is not about fame or glory, but about the courage to care and to act.
Work That Mend, Stories That Heal
Location: Map Link
Everyday heroes are ordinary people who act selflessly in their daily lives, not for recognition but from an inner moral impulse. When we talk about them, everyone recalls at least one person who has helped or supported them or their community at some point. For those interested in themes such as women’s destinies, challenges, and self-understanding, the name of writer Andrea Szilveszter often comes up as an example of an everyday hero.
Literature has always played a special role in Andrea’s life. She began writing poems and keeping a diary at a young age, eventually realizing that prose suited her best. During her school years, she studied music, but over time writing became her true means of self-expression. Although her parents didn’t always understand her passion for writing, literature has always been a refuge for her.
After university, she traveled to Africa, where she began writing more seriously and sharing her works. Thanks to her knowledge of the language, she got to know the local people’s stories up close—especially women’s—who openly shared their struggles and hardships. These experiences deeply affected her and reinforced her belief that writing was her true path.
Her manuscripts Strange Body, Makeup, and Woman in the Mirror have all sparked considerable attention, further establishing her literary career. Strange Body especially stirred strong reactions, as it fearlessly explores the changes of the female body and their effects on femininity and motherhood. Most feedback comes through her Facebook page Woman in the Mirror. While not all reactions are positive, she finds constructive criticism valuable, as it provides an opportunity for growth.
Contemporary writer Zsolt Láng has greatly influenced her, helping her realize that it’s not about the likes, but about the deeper message of the writing. She views literature as a helping profession, and many have reached out to her because of her works. She feels closest to stories that portray the fates and struggles of women, though her writing is not limited to this theme. She also writes for children and has penned poems about her family and husband, who attended the launch of her first book.
In her home, Andrea has a special room upstairs she calls the “reading room.” It is her retreat when she needs a quiet space to write or think. The room is filled with books, notebooks, and personal objects that inspire her. Each item holds a memory—some acquired during travels, others given as gifts—each with its own story. This is where she feels truly free, and where inspiration always finds her.
Although she does not plan to write a book series, if she ever did, it would be about her life. Still, she does not wish to pursue writing as a full-time profession, fearing it would lose its essence. However, she is eager to participate in contests, scholarships, and writing clubs to continue developing her craft.
She believes recommending books is a big responsibility, as each reader finds healing in different works. She avoids being too categorical and instead encourages readers to find the books that speak to them. However, she is more comfortable recommending nonfiction books, especially for teenagers or their parents.
Andrea’s poems touch on topics that may be taboo for some, but are helpful to many. The emotions and thoughts she conveys offer great emotional support for those dealing with similar struggles. That’s why Andrea is seen as an everyday hero—someone whose verses we can turn to for emotional and spiritual relief.
When we discovered Andrea Szilveszter’s poetry, we, too, were moved by her honesty and courage in speaking about pain and hardship—yet she never forgets the importance of gratitude. In her poem Te Deum, for instance, she gives thanks to God for life’s small joys: peaceful sleep, family, faith, and the warmth of home. This simple yet profound message reminded us that happiness is not found in grand things, but in the quiet gifts of everyday life. Her words inspired us to learn gratitude—and to be more present in our own lives.
“Today I ask for nothing, Lord. Just one word trembles on my lips: thanks. I would be feeble and helpless if my heart longed for more.” — Andrea Szilveszter, Te Deum
Granny Zsuzsa’s Garden, Where the Plants Tell Stories
Location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/7oHKEKn8iA3pdaDe9
Everyday heroes are ordinary people who act selflessly in their daily lives, not for recognition, but driven by inner moral values. When we speak of such people, everyone recalls someone who once helped them or supported their community.
In Cristuru Secuiesc and the nearby villages, many think of Vári Zsuzsa when asked about an everyday hero. She was born in Rugănești and has lived there ever since. Her story unfolds in this very place, where she built her family and created her magical garden. Zsuzsa is known in our community by many names: healer, herb lady, mushroom knight, grandmother, and mother — proof of how many people she has touched across different walks of life.
Her deep connection with nature was formed in childhood. Her family spent most of their time outdoors — from work to play, everything was tied to the natural world. At school, she excelled in natural sciences, already showing her deep inner love for nature. She says much of her knowledge comes from this time, learning home remedies and natural healing methods from the elders.
She studied at a technical school for accounting and worked 33 years as an accountant. Although she never planned to change careers, when the opportunity came to retire early at 50, she felt it was time to follow her childhood dream: to fully dedicate herself to nature.
Together with her husband, they decided to start a truffle plantation — a unique initiative in Romania at that time. Despite many obstacles, they persevered. Zsuzsa even trained a dog to search for truffles, which was quite innovative back then. Later, university researchers became interested in her methods and her dog. Behind her success without formal training stood her faith, tireless work, and persistence.
In their garden, they planted a truffle forest using collected spores. After years of dedication, they’ve been harvesting truffles for nine years now. Her expertise in mushrooms was acknowledged by researchers at ELTE University, and she began collaborating with them. By donating mushroom samples, she contributed to scientific progress. In recognition of her work, she was knighted in Budapest in 2009 by the Saint Ladislaus Truffle Order.
In 2023, a record-breaking half-kilogram truffle grew in their garden. Sadly, her husband passed away that same year and never saw “the fruit of their labor.” For Zsuzsa, that truffle became her husband’s legacy. Since then, truffle cultivation has spread in Romania — a journey that began in her little forest.
For 25 years, Zsuzsa has been collecting and processing medicinal plants. Her greatest help today is her daughter, with whom she roams the fields and meadows. They never gather large quantities at once, believing that plants would lose their true value. Freshly processed herbs dry full of life, preserving their beneficial properties. From them, they create teas and remedies, believing that nature is “God’s pharmacy,” always open for those in need.
Though she never advertises her products, people visit her daily to buy and ask for advice. Each year, groups of tourists come to learn about herbs and mushrooms from her.
Zsuzsa has never sought fame, yet she is well-known and respected. People admire her dedication, humility, and hard work with nature. Despite her success, she remains modest, and her main goal remains: to preserve and pass on ancient knowledge and values, contributing to her community’s health.
For some members of our team, Zsuzsa is a supportive and inspiring grandmother, and we all feel a close bond with her — as if she were everyone’s grandma. We look up to her story and perseverance with admiration, trying to carry a piece of her wisdom with us. For us, she is a true role model.
When the summer sun rose over the region of Cristuru Secuiesc in mid-July, we could not have imagined what a special adventure we were about to embark on together.
The fourth edition of Short Term Summer Fun began this year just like a classic fairy tale: eleven young heroes set out from around the world – from Hungary, Spain, France, Greece, Pakistan, Moldova, and Germany – to try their luck and, along the way, bring joy, learning, and a touch of magic into the lives of the local communities.
For 59 days we worked and celebrated side by side. A total of 238 children from eight villages – Szentábrahám, Betfalva, Székelyszenterzsébet, Fiatfalva, Körispatak, Siménfalva, Rugonfalva, and Kisgalambfalva – discovered with us that the true power of play, laughter, and friendship can sometimes be stronger than any magic wand.
Throughout the summer, new stories were written week after week. At times we became superheroes; other times we wandered through fairy-tale lands, experimented like little scientists, or built wonders from recycled treasures as artists. The children painted flying dreams on paper, made crowns and magic wands, went on treasure hunts, and learned that true heroism does not lie in flying or invisibility, but in friendship, helpfulness, and the joy of playing together.
One of our most beautiful moments was the multicultural camp, where our passports took us to a new country every day. French elegance, Spanish rhythm, Greek laurel wreaths, and Moldovan embroidery patterns came to life – all without leaving the camp. The children’s eyes sparkled each time a new stamp appeared in their passports, for they were not only discovering countries, but also getting to know one another better.
City Day also turned into a magical celebration: 250 painted faces, 450 cups of refreshment, and countless shared experiences revealed the strength that lies in community when we come together.
And although behind the project were many hours of preparation, countless organizational challenges, and a great deal of hard work, for us – as coordinators – the greatest reward was seeing shy faces blossom into carefree laughter.
During these two months, not only the children, but we – adults and volunteers – also grew richer. Our volunteers not only organized camps but also built their own paths: they developed, learned new languages, forged friendships, and carried home experiences that will forever remain important chapters in the fairy tale of their lives.
Now, as we close our eyes at the end of summer and look back on these 59 days, we see a string of colorful moments: water fights, secret messages, painted castles, shared dances, discovery games, and endless laughter. We can truly say: this summer was indeed the summer of tales and heroes.
We thank everyone – volunteers, children, parents, partners, and colleagues – for helping us write this magical story together. And although the book now closes, we know that its pages will always reveal a shining memory to accompany us on our journey.
Because every good fairy tale ends like this: and they lived happily ever after – until they met again.
From September 18 to 25, Cristuru Secuiesc will host the “Life Skills for Students” international youth exchange, where young people from different countries will work together for eight days to learn, share experiences, and enjoy community activities.
The program aims to help participants develop practical life skills useful in everyday life – such as effective communication, problem-solving, financial awareness, and digital competences. Workshops, games, collaborative projects, and cultural evenings not only boost self-confidence but also encourage young people to become more active and responsible citizens.
In addition to the cultural program, community involvement is a key focus. Within the youth exchange, and in cooperation with the Cristuru Secuiesc City Hall, we will organize a community clean-up on Saturday, September 22 at 3:30 PM, starting from the Gyárfás Mansion. Everyone interested in helping make the town cleaner and more livable is warmly welcome to join.
We hope that these eight days spent together will be valuable and meaningful for both local and international participants alike.
Between August 23 and 31, seven volunteers from Romania took part in the Food4Health youth exchange in Dinan, France.
“On the first evening after our arrival, we had the chance to get to know the participants from France and Germany during a picnic dinner on the beach.
We started the first day with some energizers and icebreaker games, then we set the house and community rules for the upcoming week. This was a different kind of project, where we, the participants, had to cook lunch and dinner every day, meals planned according to the dietary restrictions of the group. Each day, every team had time to prepare the dishes for their assigned meal.
The second day began with a nutrition workshop led by Aurélie, a nutrition expert. It was a pleasure to have her with us. The day continued with preparing the menus for the whole week, including the festive dinner for the intercultural evening.
Day 3 brought us all together with games about the impact of our food on the environment, a world café, and debates about nutrition.
The next day took us to Bréhat Island, a day dedicated to exploration, together with Lucie, an expert in plants. Lucie explained the different types of edible and toxic plants, where they can be found, and how they are prepared. We held a cooking workshop in the forest, followed by a picnic where each participant took part in preparing the food, and later on the beach we enjoyed a dessert, also prepared by participants.
On the 5th day, we visited the local market to discover what healthy foods can be found in North-West France and to get a glimpse of the local culture. In the afternoon, we could choose between a jam-making workshop, a sports workshop, or a visit to the museum in Dinan.
On the 6th day, we all created a recipe book together, in English, Hungarian, Romanian, French, and German – handwritten pages with beautiful illustrations. At lunch, we had the opportunity to taste vegan dishes at a restaurant in Dinan, also learning about the story behind it.
On the last day, we shared our final moments together, held the Youthpass ceremony, and later attended a seaside concert.”
