News

International Seminar for the Integration of Roma Communities 

From April 1 to 9, the Sóskút Youth Hostel will host a special international seminar focused on Roma inclusion and social mobility. Social workers and young people from six countries will gather to work together on fostering inclusion and expanding opportunities for disadvantaged communities. 

During the seminar, participants will engage in interactive workshops and discussions, sharing their experiences and co-developing an innovative, inclusive educational game. This game will be one of the seminar’s key outcomes, designed to be implemented in real-life settings later on. 

The project does not end with the seminar. As a continuation, a youth exchange program will take place, where young people will have the opportunity to test and refine the activities developed during the seminar. This provides a practical platform for participants to gain hands-on experience and deepen their learning. 

This initiative aims to ensure that Roma inclusion is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible reality in everyday life. Stay tuned for more updates and details on the event! 

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Are you passionate about traditions, cultural heritage, and international experiences?

Join us for an exciting Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Plovdiv, Bulgaria from May 18-23, 2025, where we will explore the importance of intangible cultural heritage and how it shapes our identities and communities.

What’s in it for you?

• Learn about intangible cultural heritage through interactive workshops and field visits
• Share your country’s traditions, music, and customs
• Engage in intercultural dialogue with young people from Bulgaria, Lithuania, Greece, Romania, and Slovenia
• Gain new skills and take an active role in safeguarding cultural heritage

Who can apply?

• Aged 18-30
• Interested in cultural heritage and eager to learn & share
• Basic English knowledge
• Priority for youth with fewer opportunities

Participation in the training is free, with travel, accommodation, and meals provided by the Erasmus+ program.

Before submitting your application, please carefully read the English information package available HERE to be fully informed.

You can apply by filling out the online questionnaire available HERE until the 10th of April, 2025!

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Are you a youth worker, educator, or activist passionate about sustainability? Do you want to discover real-life green initiatives and explore how to engage young people in environmental action?

Join us for aMUSEd by Amalfi Coast, a fully funded Erasmus+ study visit in Tramonti, Italy, between May 2–10, 2025!

What’s in it for you?

• Explore best practices in sustainability and youth involvement
• Learn how to avoid ‘green-washing’ and create real impact
• Connect with NGOs, schools, and environmental projects
• Engage in outdoor learning, cultural exchange and job-shadowing

Who can apply?

• Youth workers, educators, NGO activists, and social workers
• Passionate about sustainability and youth engagement
• Ready to apply new knowledge in their community
• Able to communicate in English

Participation in the training is free, with travel, accommodation, and meals provided by the Erasmus+ program.

Before submitting your application, please carefully read the English information package available HERE to be fully informed.

You can apply by filling out the online questionnaire available HERE until the 20th of March, 2025!

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Join the Short Term Summer Fun Volunteer Team and Make Children’s Summer Unforgettable!

ATA offers an exciting opportunity for young people to take part in the Short Term Summer Fun project! If you enjoy working with children, being part of a team, and value community work, then this program is perfect for you!

What is Short Term Summer Fun?

Our 59-day volunteer program aims to provide unforgettable summer experiences for disadvantaged children in small villages where camp opportunities are rare. Participants will lead games, teach English, and build a sense of community.

Who are we looking for?

✅ Young people aged 18-30 who are energetic, open-minded, and enjoy working with children.
✅ Basic English skills are required, along with a willingness to learn the local language.
✅ Creative individuals who can work both in a team and independently.

Important Information:

📅 Duration: July 10 – September 6, 2025 (Romania, Székelykeresztúr)
💰 What we provide: Accommodation, travel reimbursement, local transportation, pocket money, and meal support.
📝 Application deadline: March 25, 2025
📌 Detailed information
📩 Application form
🎥 Summary video from last year

Don’t miss this opportunity! Join us and help make children’s summer unforgettable!

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Here you can read the report of Blanka Debora Kovács about her volunteer experiences in the northern part of Finland:

Breaking out of the comfort zone? Oh YES! In January, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks at the northern edge of Finland, volunteering, gaining new experiences, and making friends. But what was it all about? After twenty-seven hours of travel, I arrived at the fairy-tale place, the Vasatokka Youth Center, located a few kilometers from the town of Inari, in the far north of Finland. What awaited me there? On the very first evening, the beautiful northern lights greeted me from the sky. The next day, we had the chance to get to know the team better, a group brought together by the wind and the desire to act from different parts of Europe. We were a nice colorful team: French, Spanish, Portuguese, Finnish, and Italian. After the “warm-up” day, we had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the local culture, what it’s like when most of the day is spent in darkness, how much we can appreciate the little light that illuminates the sky for a few hours, or what it’s like to bathe in the snow after the well-known Finnish sauna. We were also taken to a reindeer farm, where we could meet the reindeer up close and learn more about what life is like for a reindeer at the North Pole. Part of getting to know each other included visiting a local Sámi museum, which showcased the Sámi culture of the people living in this area. This region is home to a minority people whose culture and language differ from the Finns. They have specific clothing and different customs.
After the first few days, we started brainstorming the basic plan, which was to build a Snow World entirely out of snow. The wheels were turning properly, as no one in the team had ever had the chance to work with such a large amount of snow, so we didn’t really know what was actually feasible. And I must admit, we greatly underestimated the snow. We developed our plans, consulted with the snow expert, after giving his approval, we went out to build the empire. But as we started working with the snow, we realized it was much easier to shape, mold, and compact than we thought. So there was a bit of re-planning, and we decided to “bite the bullet” and do something more extraordinary. The next day we went out to build what we had envisioned. We worked and worked for a few days, and then the first big success came when our first “igloo” was completed. We continued working diligently, the empire was taking shape, when one day we woke up to find that the weather was not very favorable, as it was approaching zero degrees. On this day, we couldn’t do much work, the snow was much harder to shape, but the worst was yet to come, because by the afternoon, almost everything had melted due to the weather. We had no choice but to start over the next day, as the deadline was approaching.

Meanwhile, a few of us were selected to volunteer at a local indigenous film festival. At the festival, we were assigned to different roles, sometimes selling tickets, sometimes checking tickets at the entrance, sometimes decorating the hallway with posters, but we also had the chance to sit in and watch a few films/short films. It was a huge experience to participate in this as well, to get an even better insight into Sámi culture, as the festival was mostly about them, and the biggest experience was the cinema made of snow, which was completely new to me, the steps, the seats, the “screen,” and even the walls around were made of snow, and screenings were held here in the evenings. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to work with a very good team at the festival, and I certainly gained a lot of new experiences.

In summary, I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in such a project. I believe I worked with a very cohesive community, with whom we formed a small family by the end of the program. I managed to step out of my comfort zone, experience what it’s like to spend days at the North Pole, in -25 degrees, in darkness, and how much a tiny ray of light can mean in the dark everyday life. Thank you for the opportunity, and I hope I will have the chance to participate in such and similar programs again.

Kovács Blanka Debora

News

Are you a youth worker passionate about environmental education? Do you want to empower young people to take action for a sustainable future

Join us for TC Eco-Olympics, a fully funded Erasmus+ training course in Belgium!

What’s in it for you?

• Gain hands-on experience with non-formal education methods for sustainability
• Learn how to engage young people in climate action & eco-initiatives
• Exchange best practices with international youth workers
• Develop practical skills to implement environmental projects in your community

Who Can Apply?

• We’re looking for participants aged 18+ with a residence in partner countries
• Youth workers/teachers/educators… who are currently working with young people between the ages of 13-30 years
• Individuals who have a strong interest in sustainability and environmental issues
• Active participants who are eager to share their experiences and contribute to group activities
• Individuals who can speak English in a communicational level
• Individuals available between May 4-9, 2025

Participation in the training is free, with travel, accommodation, and meals provided by the Erasmus+ program.

Before submitting your application, please carefully read the English information package available HERE to be fully informed.

You can apply by filling out the online questionnaire available HERE until the 21st of February, 2025!

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Over the course of my involvement with the ATA organization as an ESC volunteer, I had the privilege of participating in a wide range of activities aimed at engaging with local communities, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering cultural exchange. Each experience contributed to my growth as a volunteer and provided valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and make a positive impact. 

One of the first projects I participated in was Green Week, where I visited different schools in neighboring villages to raise awareness about environmental issues. I interacted with students from primary to high school, discussing topics like recycling, waste reduction, and reusing materials creatively. Together, we participated in fun games and hands-on activities, where students used old materials to create new items, showcasing their creativity while learning about environmental care. It was inspiring to see how much enthusiasm the students had for these topics. 

Additionally, I had the chance to write weekly articles for the 5Ws project, addressing topics such as the benefits of long-term volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps and the importance of learning about other cultures. These articles allowed me to interact with the ATA community and expanding my own knowledge, as I researched and explored different perspectives on the topics. 

Social media engagement was another key area of focus during the project. We held several meetings to brainstorm ways to improve our content and create a more engaging online presence. These discussions were a great opportunity to collaborate with others and come up with new ideas to connect with a wider audience and share ATA’s work. 

One of the more practical tasks I was involved in was helping to renovate the ATA youth center. We painted and reorganized the office space, making it a more comfortable and functional environment for the volunteers. It was nice to see how a well-organized, welcoming space could enhance the work being done and make the center a better place for everyone involved. 

In November, ATA hosted a youth exchange project focused on immigration and refugees, and I had the chance to assist in planning the event. We organized activities like a treasure hunt to help participants get to know the city, and throughout the exchange, we discussed important topics related to migration and the experiences of refugees. It was inspiring to be part of an event that brought together young people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate in meaningful discussions. 

I also visited a high school, where we shared facts about our home countries with different classes. We talked about our histories, languages, famous figures, and tourist attractions, and even exchanged some of our favorite recipes. The students were excited to share their own experiences and dreams of traveling to new places. It was a wonderful experience to see how cultural exchange can close the gap between people from different parts of the world. 

Helping out at the school library was another interesting task, where I assisted in reorganizing books and creating a better learning environment for the students. It was a simple but impactful way to contribute to the educational experience of the children. 

A highlight of my time at ATA was participating in a special Advent event at one of the local high schools. The school was beautifully decorated for Christmas, and we had the chance to bring materials for DIY decorations, such as paper angels, honeycomb balls, and wooden ornaments. The children enjoyed painting and decorating the items, and each child was able to take home their creation as a keepsake for the holiday season. It was a joyful event that brought the community together in the spirit of Christmas. 

In December, ATA hosted a meeting for teachers from different parts of the world as part of the VET Pact project, which focused on sharing the results of non-formal education activities. I had the opportunity to assist with logistics and engage with the teachers, learning more about their experiences and the importance of non-formal education in shaping the lives of young people.  

Looking back on my experience with ATA, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic and impactful project. Each activity allowed me to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful causes, whether through raising awareness about environmental issues, supporting educational initiatives, or engaging in cultural exchange. The connections I made with students, volunteers, and community members were truly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing my journey of giving back to the community. 

News

Three fantastic people – Orsi, Réka, and Máté – packed their bags and set out for Italy, to the beautiful (albeit a bit chilly in January) city of Rimini. Interestingly, this is also the birthplace of the famous Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. The purpose of our journey was to attend an international training designed for coordinators working with international volunteers.

The training took place between January 16 and 23 and was aptly named “Safe and Sound,” as its primary focus was on creating safe and inclusive environments for international volunteers. Alongside this, we learned numerous self-awareness techniques and methods to make our daily work smoother and more efficient.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a cozy accommodation that felt like stepping back in time – at least fifty years. Although none of us had seen Italy fifty years ago, the nostalgic atmosphere truly transported us to another era.

First Impressions and New Connections

The training brought together 25 participants from eight countries (Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Turkey, Greece, and Romania). The first day was all about getting to know each other, team-building, and self-reflection. One of the team-building activities was to build a tower out of paper, with the tallest tower winning the challenge. We also participated in a “World Café” discussion. The key topics revolved around youth work: what youth work means to us, how we view young people’s participation, and what challenges we face in the field. These thought-provoking conversations set the tone for meaningful collaboration throughout the week.

Gingerbread Techniques and Power Dynamics

The second day started with energizing games, followed by an exploration of the different forms of exclusion and marginalization. We used methods like Intersectionality and the “Wheel of Power” to dive deep into the topics of power dynamics and social inequalities. It was eye-opening to see how seemingly simple factors or their absence can empower or, conversely, weaken and marginalize people. Later, we explored drama pedagogy techniques, staying within the theme of marginalization and power relations.

A Day Off – Exploration and Inspiration

A free day to explore Italy. Some participants stayed in Rimini to explore its local attractions, others visited nearby San Marino, while we embarked on a longer journey to Florence. Although the weather was gloomy, Florence’s stunning sights, historical landmarks, and artistic treasures more than made up for it. Every corner of the city held a piece of history, and the architecture itself was a work of art. Immersing ourselves in Florence’s cultural, artistic, and historical richness was an unforgettable experience, making the long journey entirely worthwhile.

Teaching and Learning

The fifth day was particularly exciting, as it was an open day for participants to share something interesting or useful with their peers. Everyone had the opportunity to present, and the day was filled with creativity and knowledge-sharing. We developed not only our facilitation and coordination skills but also learned valuable techniques and methods from one another. It was a truly enriching and inspiring day.

Closing and Farewell

The last day was bittersweet. While we were looking forward to returning home, saying goodbye was difficult as we had grown fond of each other over the week. The day focused on reflection: we revisited our initial expectations, discussed what we had learned, and shared how the experience had impacted us.

In conclusion, the “Safe and Sound” training was an incredibly useful and inspiring experience for all of us. Not only did we develop professionally, but we also created lifelong memories and friendships.

News

Are you a youth worker, educator, teacher, artist, or musician passionate about exploring the power of music in youth work?

Join the Europe’s Musical Interconnection project and dive into an enriching intercultural training experience!

What’s in it for you?

• Explore European musical traditions and contemporary styles.

• Gain tools to engage youth through music in meaningful ways.

• Collaborate with participants from Italy, Germany, Türkiye, France, Portugal, and Spain.
• Learn from expert trainers and hands-on workshops.

Who Can Apply?

• We’re looking for participants aged 20+ with a residence in partner countries. A love for music and youth work is a must!
• Active participants who are eager to share their experiences and contribute to group activities
• Individuals fluent in English
• Individuals available between April 21-28, 2025

Participation in the training is free, with travel, accommodation, and meals provided by the Erasmus+ program.

Before submitting your application, please carefully read the English information package available HERE to be fully informed.

You can apply by filling out the online questionnaire available HERE until the 2^nd of February, 2025!
The participant selection process will be coordinated by the hosting and sending organisations!

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Are you a youth worker ready to strengthen your skills in group motivation, effective communication, and stress management? This is your chance!

Join us in Biały Dunajec, Poland, from March 31st till April 08th, 2025, for an inspiring training course, “Keep Calm and Youth Work“, hosted by Stowarzyszenie Pozytywnych Zmian.

What to Expect:

• Gain practical tools for managing stress and overcoming challenges in youth work.
• Explore innovative methods to foster teamwork and conflict resolution.
• Learn to adapt to digital transformation in youth work and enhance intercultural dialogue.
• Connect with fellow youth workers from 7 European countries, and share experiences and best practices.

 Who Can Apply?

• Youth workers,  youth project coordinators or organization managers, people responsible for promotion of their NGO
• Active participants who are eager to share their best practices and contribute to group activities
• Individuals fluent in English
• Youth workers available between March 31-April 08, 2025

Participation in the training is free, with travel, accommodation, and meals provided by the Erasmus+ program.

Before submitting your application, please carefully read the English information package available HERE to be fully informed.

You can apply by filling out the online questionnaire available HERE until February 7, 2025!