News

The Erasmus project camps in the area of Cristuru Secuiesc aim at developing children’s cultural sensitivity and social skills through numerous activities performed. Every week have the proposal of a different cultural theme so that children would be able to learn some traditions and customs practiced in other countries. In the first week, we had intercultural interaction whereby every day was themed on a different country. This is an overview of what we did and experienced in the camp daily:




The first day thematized “Intercultural Interaction.” It opened with a program from our Belgian friend, Ranco, who introduced us to games and activities from his culture. The first game they played was “Ball Names,” in which a ball would be passed across while the children all called out their names to help others remember. After getting them in the mood with an icebreaker, each child was allowed to paint and decorate their own cardboard sword, letting them express themselves. At the end of each day, we had an evaluation with emoji faces that best represented how they were feeling about the day.

English culture was taken on the second day. The day started with songs and dances to help get everybody up and going. The children made and painted crowns with the help of Olivia, our volunteer, and this creative aspect was drawn out in them. Team games and interactive play further enhanced social skills as they bonded while having loads of fun throughout the day.



Day 3 was the day to familiarize ourselves with Spanish culture. There were songs for kids’ entertainment in the morning, along with some light games for them. These kids, with the help of a few painted pasta pieces, also made necklaces under the very much welcome and energetic Spanish volunteers of Irene and Lulu. In the afternoon, there was an event under the name of Paella Gymkana where kids played games to acquire ingredients for the preparation of paella and hence learned about some Spanish culinary traditions.



On day 4, we attended the cultural day of Portugal and Brazil. The day began with a beautiful warm-up song. Play dough crafting was scheduled for children, and involvement was worth seeing them trying many sculptures with their hands. Afterwards, preparation of Carnival masks with the study of Brazilian Carnival with volunteers Fernanda and Anabelle ensued. Some traditional games and a treasure hunt spiced up the day with fun and knowledge.

On the 5^th day, we got familiar with the cultures of both Turkey and Azerbaijan. Warm-up songs opened the day. Volunteers Mehmet, Yiğit and Islam introduced their cultures to the kids. Then children created flags of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Moreover, they learned a traditional Turkish dance called Damat Halayı. Further, they played some traditional Turkish games, for instance, Plan İstop, Birdirbir.




It was a really successful week, we achieved all the goals we set for this camp. The children enjoyed themselves both educationally and in an entertaining way during the whole week.

News

This summer, 13 young volunteers from Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, England, Azerbaijan, and Belgium have come together to live a unique adventure in the magic villages of Transylvania. For two months, 59 days, this dynamic team comes together to set up camps for kids in different villages of Transylvania.

Within eight weeks, volunteers will become familiar with 5 different towns in the area. Each new village offers another culture, amazing landscapes, and heartfelt encounters from the local population. Participants help repay this by preparing some fun and educational activities for children as part of learning more about the local traditions and culture.

This workcamp offers the volunteers not only the possibility to work but also to get acquainted with Transylvania’s history and cultural variety. Each camp will give to volunteers the possibility of lasting friendships and ability to develop teamwork and leadership skills in return.

Participants learn how much fun and enriching it can be to work together with people from other cultures, to find new locations. This project creates unforgettable summer memories not only for the volunteers but also for the local children.

News

Between 1-9 July 2024, three of us had the chance to participate in a training course in Vinci (Italy), called The Unarmoured Warrior. Visiting the native village of Leonardo da Vinci in itself is an exciting opportunity, but the training and the community of the young participants coming from 7 countries also exceeded all of our expectations.

We started the first day with getting to know each other and laying down the common rules. Then, during the afternoon sessions we started to delve into the various aspects of the main topic of the training – vulnerability – through words, but also physical exercises. One of the highlights of the day was the “impossible challenge” game, with which we proved both to ourselves and the trainers how well we can work together as a team. This extraordinary teamwork then accompanied our entire weekly activity.

On the second day, we listened to a presentation on transactional analysis, and we put the acquired knowledge into practice by presenting short, small-group scenes. In the afternoon, our creativity played the key role, as we had to capture the topic of the training and our related emotions and thoughts in the form of a visual collage and a poem. The day ended with the intercultural evening, where we got to know each other’s cultures and dances in a great atmosphere.

The next morning, the story of David and Goliath was at the center of our sessions. We talked about the “giants” of our lives, the problems that concern us all, and the ways we can face them. In the second half of the day, we visited Vinci’s speciality museum exhibiting models of machines based on Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings, and we also had the chance to enter the church where the famous polymath was baptized as a child. The day was crowned with an evening walk and a picnic, during which we enjoyed perfect views of the magical Tuscan sunset.

On the last day of the programs led by the trainers, we once again had the opportunity to push the limits of our creativity using the works of photographer Vivian Maier. Through the task, we were able to try out what it’s like to put ourselves in another point of view, which tuned us very well for the afternoon sessions. Practicing active listening, we all tried to direct our attention fully to each other, to really see and listen to those with us.

On Saturday, we took part in an organized trip to Florence, which provided unforgettable memories for everyone. The city is a true cultural and artistic center, which is not only contributed by the numerous museums operating here, but also by the rich built heritage. Everywhere we looked, we were surrounded by buildings, churches and squares of historical importance. The informal activities during the day served as a great opportunity for all participants to learn more from and about each other.

As the final chord of the training, on Sunday, as a result of our whole day’s teamwork, we performed a play for a group of local schoolchildren. The theme of the piece was inspired by the name of the training (The Unarmoured Warrior) and the topics covered during the week. During the preparation, everyone got the chance to contribute to the play in their own way, be it acting, providing music, or making the sets and props. And our hard work did not go unrecognized: by the end of the evening, we celebrated our joint success, tired but amidst the applause of the spectators.

The programs of the last day were about reflection, evaluation and feedback. During the week, we formed a very close-knit team, who spent a lot of time together not only within the organized sessions, but also in their free time. The walks we took together, the sunsets we admired together, and the group picnics on the hilltop were all breeding grounds for friendships that will stay with us even after the program is over.

News

Become a Community Connector in Alençon, France! 

Are you passionate about international experiences and eager to make a positive impact? The Croix Mercier Social Center in Alençon, France, is seeking a motivated volunteer to join our vibrant community. This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and gain invaluable experience while promoting international mobility.

As a volunteer, you will:

• Lead Workshops and Events: Organize and facilitate workshops, intercultural nights, and various events to engage the local community and promote cultural exchange.
• Promote Mobility Opportunities: Share information about international mobility programs, helping others discover the benefits of exploring different cultures and countries.
• Enhance Communication Skills: Develop your communication and social media skills by creating content and spreading awareness about our initiatives.
• Collaborate with Diverse Groups: Work alongside university students, local residents, and other volunteers to foster a sense of community and support.
•  

What’s in it for you?

• Accommodation and Meals: Enjoy comfortable housing and provided meals throughout your stay.
• Transportation: A bicycle will be provided for easy and eco-friendly transportation.
• Skill Development: Gain practical experience and enhance your organizational, communication, and intercultural skills.
• Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in French culture, learn the language, and make lifelong connections.

Project Duration: 18th September 2024 – 19th May 2025
Location: Alençon, France
Application Deadline: 10th September 2024

Don’t miss this incredible chance to grow personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful cause. Join us in Alençon and help build a bridge between cultures! You can apply HERE. 

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Volunteering Project in France: “Let’s Speak English at School!”

Are you enthusiastic about working with children and promoting the English language? The town of Falaise in Normandy, France, is looking for a dedicated European volunteer aged between 18-25 years old to join their local schools for a 9-month project starting on October 1st, 2024. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in French culture, enhance your teaching skills, and make a meaningful impact on young learners.

Your Mission:

As a volunteer, you will:

• Collaborate with Teachers: Work alongside teachers to make learning English fun and engaging.
• Organize Workshops: Create and participate in workshops using a variety of activities tailored for children aged 5-9.
• Engage with the Community: Maintain close contact with parents, teachers, and local authorities to foster a supportive environment.
• Integrate into School Life: Take part in school celebrations, end-of-term shows, and staff meetings.
• Support Daily Activities: Assist in the everyday activities of local schools.
•  

Benefits:

• Monthly Allowance: Receive a monthly stipend of 619 EUR.
• Accommodation: Housing provided, along with access to the school canteen four days a week.
• Health Coverage: Covered by the French social security system.
• Transportation: A bicycle for local use and access to bus services for longer trips.
• Mentoring: Guidance from a personal tutor and training from local head teachers.
• Cultural Immersion: Participate in civic service training and enjoy school holidays to explore France.
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Location:

Falaise is a vibrant town with a population of 8,246, offering numerous activities such as sports, dance, music, a library, a weekly market, a theatre, and a water sports center.

Application:

To apply, send your CV and motivation letter to arnaud.castel@falaise.fr.

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a meaningful project and develop your professional and personal skills in the heart of Normandy!

News

They say the future is in the hands of the youth, and I believe this is a great truth. 

The “Youth Centers Seminar” recently concluded, where youth workers from Croatia, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Turkey met to gain valuable experiences and knowledge about youth centers, as well as to build connections for future projects.

On the first day, participants got to know each other, the seminar program, the Youthpass, and explored the city’s landmarks. They also enjoyed the local cuisine and drinks. In the evening, they participated in a traditional intercultural snack tasting event, where they sampled various delicacies from the mentioned countries.

The second day focused on the fundamental questions about youth centers: what they are, why they are needed, how they operate, and who they serve. The day began with a pyramid discussion, during which participants understood the essence of youth centers. Following this, using the “silent floor” method and the results of the previous activity, they tried to understand why youth centers are necessary in a community. After the break, they analyzed how youth centers are established and how they operate. In the afternoon, a market of civil organizations and youth centers was organized, where they could get to know each other’s representatives. The day ended with board and card games after dinner.

The third day started with a discussion walk in the forest, where they discussed the challenges faced in the work of youth centers and civil organizations. Following this, they reviewed best practices and case studies from some partners. In the afternoon, participants explored networks that youth centers can join to support each other and implement joint projects. The day concluded with a karaoke night.

On the fourth day, the activities about youth centers were concluded with the World Cafe method and theatrical performances. Afterwards, participants visited the ATA office to see where local activities are held and ESC volunteers are hosted. Then, they went to the site of the future youth center to see how it could be transformed. After lunch, the team traveled to Sighisoara, where they explored the medieval fortress during a guided tour.

On the fifth day, two youth workers led workshops on identity, peace, democracy, and non-violent communication. Following this, they participated in a session to better understand the Erasmus+ Program. In the afternoon, they organized an outdoor activity during which they planned future projects related to their youth accreditation, as well as other independent projects of the civil organizations participating in the seminar.

On the closing day of the seminar, participants spent time on self-reflection, considering their learning outcomes. They also visited and took a guided tour of the Molnár István Museum, evaluated the seminar, and celebrated the end of the project with a Youthpass ceremony.

This seminar provided an excellent platform for cultural exchange, learning, and networking among youth workers, fostering collaboration and laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives.

News

Have you ever felt that the monotony of life hid the beauty around you and just at an unexpected moment you got captured by the sunset, the cool breeze of morning, the colourful ocean of flowers etc.?

Do you miss the time when you could just sit down and smell, see, listen the world?
OR have you ever wondered what would happen if the electricy will be gone and we will have only the nature?

If your answer is yes to any questions above, I have an amazing summer program for you.

 

 

At a small, hidden place in Estonia, a wooden house called Marja Talu waits for you with its wonderful lake to spend a meaningful and mindful time, where you can shift your focus to the connection with your close surrounding and yourself by learning survival techniques for your mental and physical health.

 

Who can participate in the training?

• Motivated young people between 18-30 years old
• One leader who has turned 18 years old
• Those who speaks English at a good communication level
• Those interested in deep connection with nature, mental health, self-reflection, developing survival skills and meditational practices
• Those available between 13-19th of August 2024
• Those who are not afraid of being active in a multinational community
• Those willing to share what they have learned and achieved during the training after the activities

 

Participation in the youth exchange 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 8th of July, 2024!

News

Another successful youth exchange!

 

From 19 to 26 June, 32 young people from 5 countries (Romania, Slovakia, North Macedonia, Turkey and Spain) came to our city for a youth exchange organised by us, with the main aim of discovering opportunities and ideas on how to spend their free time actively. During the 8 days we spent here, we introduced and practised several active activities with them every day, hoping to give them enough motivation to bring a little activity into their daily lives, in addition to passive pastimes.

The young people arrived on Tuesday in the lush green surroundings of Sóskút and tried to get to know the hostel and the forest environment as much as possible.

The first day was spent getting to know each other: after a short game to introduce the topics, they went on an exciting sightseeing tour in the afternoon, made even more interesting with a variety of fun activities. Particularly noteworthy was the religious diversity they experienced here. And in the evening, a very interesting and enlightening programme, the Intercultural Night, began. This consisted of a presentation by young people from each country of their country’s typical snacks and refreshing drinks.



The second day of the youth exchange started with an introduction to the concept of active leisure. Participants discussed what active leisure means to them and then were invited on a hike while discussing different topics. Lunch was followed by a book and film club. Here the participants had the chance to watch a Hungarian Oscar-winning short film, which they had to guess and write the ending of in detail before the film was over. In the afternoon, the day’s activities were evaluated, and the learning outcomes reflected upon. Participants shared what they had learned that day and how they could apply this knowledge in the future. The day continued with free time for everyone to relax, and after dinner we had the “Romanian Evening”, where the Romanian participants presented our country and different snacks.

The third day of the youth exchange started with an energizing breakfast, followed by a refreshing yoga class led by Anett Timár. Participants were refreshed both physically and mentally before embarking on the rest of the day’s activities. After a break in the morning, the participants engaged in podcast making. They learned how to make and edit their own podcasts, which could be a useful tool for them in the future. After lunch, the group went on a guided tour of Sighisoara. During the tour, they learned about the history and culture of the city and were given free time to explore the city individually. The day continued with free time for everyone to relax, and the evening was rounded off with a free activity, giving them the opportunity to spend time individually or in small groups.

The fourth day started with an energizing breakfast and continued with the making of bird feeders and bee hotels. This was followed by various intercultural activities where participants from each country presented their own games and cultural elements. After lunch, they spent time on body art activities, developing their creativity and cooperation skills. In the afternoon, lessons learned, and achievements of the day were discussed during the evaluation and reflection. The evening was rounded off with an event showcasing Slovak and Turkish cultures, where participants learned about the traditions, food and music of these countries.

On the morning of the fifth day, the young people enthusiastically threw themselves into the programme, which started with voluntary work. Organised in small groups, they painted the city’s benches in various locations, bringing a little colour to the streets. All this with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Cristuru Secuiesc. During the morning, they excitedly prepared for the afternoon theatre performance. After lunch, the participants were treated to an exciting and emotional theatre performance, in which they shared their own experiences and thoughts about certain generational issues. The evening continued with a free programme, giving participants the opportunity to socialise, make friends and have fun together.

On the morning of the sixth day, the young people started the day with various sports activities at the Berde Moses Unitarian High School. There was football, volleyball and even a little ping-pong. The sports were followed by a dynamic zumba class, during which everyone moved freely to the rhythm of the music. The rest of the morning was spent brainstorming and planning workshops. After lunch, participants evaluated the day together and reflected on their learning. Dinner was followed by an evening of Northern Macedonian and Spanish food and music, where they explored the gastronomic and musical treasures of both cultures. Dancing and singing went on late into the evening.

The seventh day was entirely focused on workshops for the young people. In the morning, the groups got together and started working on the projects they had dreamed up earlier. After lunch, the creative work continued, with everyone actively contributing to the common goals. In the afternoon, they presented the results of the workshops to each other, where they came up with exciting and innovative ideas. At the end of the day, there was a free programme where the young people spent time together, talking, playing and relaxing.

On the morning of the last day, the young people went on a joint visit to the local museum, where they viewed exciting and informative exhibitions. During the evaluation, they shared their experiences of the museum’s exhibitions. During the morning, the learning outcomes related to the Youthpass certificates were written, during which everyone summarised their experiences and knowledge gained during the programme. After lunch, the exchange programme and the Youthpass certificates were evaluated, with everyone receiving their certificates. The afternoon free time was followed by a farewell party where the young people celebrated the end of the programme together. Throughout the evening, many emotional moments were shared, friendships were made, and everyone looked back on the time spent with joy. Goodbyes are always bittersweet, and this time was no different, as everyone said a tearful goodbye to each other as the first group left for their own small town that very evening.

 

All in all, this youth exchange proved to be a very valuable and useful experience for young people who want to learn, as we can be sure that the few young people who participated in the youth exchange will live their daily lives as active and contributing members of society.

News

Guess what we’ve heard about you? You’re passionate about traveling and immersing yourself in new cultures. You’re driven, ambitious, and eager to leave your mark on a distant community. If this sounds like you, then come explore the land of vampires, castles, and mountains. Join us this september for a 10-month volunteering adventure in TRANSYLVANIA.

Who are we, and why should you choose Cristuru Secuiesc for your ESC volunteering experience?

We are the Youth Association from Transylvania, established in 2011. Over the years, we’ve hosted over 300 mobilities and participated in countless international projects. Our mission is to empower youth from the Romanian region of Transylvania to engage in European projects, both as hosts and participants. Our team currently consists of seven dedicated members working in the office.

News

Between 6-7 of June,  three resourceful young people – Gabi, Alpár and Máté – embarked on an adventure to the charming city of Pristina, Kosovo, to participate in a training course for teachers and youthworkers as part of the Youth INC project. This training also served as a meeting for 21 participants from the six countries involved in the project: Hungary, Albania, Kosovo, Romania, Germany and Israel.

„After an adventurous journey, we arrived at our pleasant accommodation in the late afternoon, where we took a quick rest before heading out to explore the city. After a short walk we quickly discovered that Pristina feels quite similar to the cities we are used to, making us feel at home, almost as if our favorite Transylvanian cities had been combined. Moreover, the local people were very friendly and helpful, surprisingly almost everyone spoke in English. The food also showed similarities to our cuisine, with the flavors reminding us of home. But enough about the city; let’s delve into the training content.

The two days were incredibly packed, but every moment contained the most valuable information. It is important to mention that the training in Kosovo was just a small part of the Youth INC project, whose main goal is to find at least three people in each partner country who tries to build and develop their community through everyday actions as an everyday hero, and to highlight these individuals from the invisibility of everyday life.

During the training, we learned about three methodologies:

– Interfaith Encounter

– The Way of Council

– Philosophy for Children/Communities.

The trainers throughout these methodologies aimed to prepare us for future work with young people and to gather enough experience to be able to pass on the knowledge acquired in Pristina to at least 10 colleagues and fellow teachers.

After an icebreaker and a fun introductory game we attended a content-rich and very useful lecture where we were introduced to the concept of Youthpass and how to articulate the learned and developed competencies through self-reflection.

The first introduced methodology of the day was Interfaith Encounter, which focuses on getting to know each other better and sharing our relationships with our own cultures and traditions.

The second methodology, The Way of Council, consisted of two parts: a theoretical and a practical part. The theoretical part interestingly became interactive enough, involving meditation exercises to determine the best methods for everyone for clearing one’s mind. After a short break, the second part of the methodology was even more exciting and sometimes very touching. Each participant brought a personal item that means a lot to them, such as a book, a stuffed animal, a picture of their child, or the key to their home. The first question was to tell a story about why the item was important to you. It was particularly surprising how openly everyone shared their personal stories, even though we had only known each other for couple of hours, and the sincere thoughts expressed during the exercise brought tears to our eyes. The second question was related to exclusion and inclusion, with participants sharing stories of when they felt excluded or included based on their social, geographic, cultural, personal, political, educational or racial identity in a community. Both parts were simultaneously uplifting and thought-provoking.

As a worthy end to the first day, after a short sightseeing tour we had dinner at a local restaurant, where we could taste fantastic authentic dishes.

On the second day, after another quick fun energizer, we got to know the third and final methodology, Philosophy for Children or you can call Philosophy for Communities as well. This practice was also divided into two parts. In the morning, we created the rules for the session, and then we moved on to the practical part. All tasks aimed to promote and develop creative thinking, teamwork, and critical thinking.


One of the most exciting tasks was when we received a fact-based text and by dividing into teams we had to share our initial thoughts on the content, and then formulate a general philosophical question based on the story. It was fascinating to see the different questions that arose from the same text. Then, wach person received three sticks to vote on which question to debate within an organised framework. The ideas were basically focused on the issue of freedom, but it was still difficult to choose. The winner was: “Where is the boarder for free speech?”

To conclude the day, we went to a local pizzeria where we once again enjoyed delicious meals. After dinner, we took a stroll through the city before returning to our accommodation, as everyone faced a long journey home on the next day.