On the occasion of Egyesek’s 25th anniversary, we felt it was worth reaching out to the founding members and have a conversation with them about how the association came to be.
Twenty-five years ago, a few young teachers felt that classes and textbooks were simply not enough. They wanted to create a space where young people could express themselves, gain experience, and learn what it means to be an active member of a community. That’s how the idea of Egyesek was born in the autumn of 1997, and by 2000 it was officially registered under the name Egyesek Youth Association.
One of the founders and former president, Krisztina Győry, still recalls the beginnings with a heart full of emotion: handwritten project applications, information hunted down in the corridors of the Tempus Public Foundation, participants sleeping on the floor in Hollókő, and adventures shared with students as well as volunteers. The very first grant already led to an international youth exchange in Scotland, which was later on followed by others in the Netherlands and other European countries - all of which were new and groundbreaking in Hungary at the time.
“Our goal was for young people to experience that they have choices in life, that they are capable of contributing to their communities, and that they can show their strength,” says Krisztina.
Over the years, Egyesek has become a truly grassroots organization. The founders launched peer-helper trainings, trained youth leaders, and introduced new methods. According to Krisztina, the out-of-school programs, outdoor trainings, and creative workshops in Nógrád County have provided strong and meaningful experiences for the participants as well as the locals.
Today, Krisztina works for an international organization and feels that the experience she gained at Egyesek - collaborating with people from different backgrounds, developing cultural sensitivity, and connecting with local communities - remains crucial in her work.
“Even back in 1998, we wanted to create a youth house, but at the time it we did not have the opportunity.” she recalls. “Now, I can see that dream coming true in Szécsény.”
The Szécsény Youth Center will not only be a venue for programs but also a safe space where young people can meet, develop, and truly experience and feel that they matter. This house symbolizes everything Egyesek stands for: perseverance, local presence, and the strength that comes from young people and their communities.
Even after 25 years, our mission remains the same: to ensure that every young person can experience that they have a choice and a place in the world - whether in a small village in Nógrád or on the international stage.
Join us and support the Youth Center so that we can reach even more young people!
