News
In the Footsteps of Roma Heroes – ATA Youth Exchange Successfully Concluded in Székelykeresztúr
Eight days, four countries, one common goal: to understand, to connect, to learn.
Between June 17–24, 2025, a powerful international youth exchange program took place in Székelykeresztúr, organized by the Youth Association from Transylvania (ATA). Supported by the Erasmus+ program, this initiative brought together young people from four countries – Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Turkey – for an enriching experience focused on Roma inclusion and, more broadly, the social integration of minorities.
The goal of the program was to deepen participants’ understanding of the past, present, and cultural heritage of roma communities, while encouraging them to reflect on the values of acceptance, diversity, and civic engagement. Throughout the exchange, young people engaged in a wide variety of informal and non-formal learning activities: interactive workshops, storytelling sessions, creative media projects, and cultural visits all served to explore the complex topic of Roma inclusion.
To share the knowledge they had gained, participants organized interactive sessions at the Berde Mózes Unitarian High School in Székelykeresztúr. These activities and games aimed to raise awareness among local youth about empathy and social acceptance.
One of the program’s highlights was the “Csecso sunu” (meaning “Our Story”) community afternoon held in the Gyárfás Garden, where participants presented stories of various Roma heroes to the public. These stories were brought to life through short digital storytelling videos created by the participants themselves (now available on YouTube). After the screening, Máté Isztojka – a prominent member of the local Gábor Roma community and a team member of ATA – shared a traditional Roma folktale. The event was accompanied by homemade lemonade, traditional bread with lard, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
On the following day, participants visited key local landmarks: they explored the culture of the Gábor Roma community in Etéd, admired the historical Bözödújfalu reservoir, and discovered traditional straw hat weaving at the Museum of Straw Hats’ in Körispatak. These experiences left a lasting impression – participants returned home not only with memories but also with deep thoughts, questions, and feelings.
On the final day, a reflective session and one last workshop were held to wrap up the week. The group revisited the topic of Roma inclusion and shared their final insights and takeaways. It was a meaningful closure to a week in which learning meant more than just knowledge – it meant connection, inspiration, and lived experience.
The Youth Association from Transylvania would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, partner organizations, and supporters who contributed to the success of this program.
“Change doesn’t have to be huge – what matters is that we dare to begin.”
🎬 The digital storytelling videos created during the exchange can be viewed at the links below:
