Youth work is a field that often goes beyond the boundaries of schools and traditional educational methods. The essence of non-formal education is to provide young people with skills and experiences that support their personal development and help them grow into responsible adults. Through Erasmus+ programs, the Egyesek team offers young people the opportunity to gain practical experience, develop new skills, and explore different cultures and communities. But what is the true role of youth work, and why is it worth participating in a youth exchange or training? These questions are explored through the experiences of respondents Alexandra Vinczi and Izabella Luca.
Alexandra joined the Egyesek team five years ago, initially working as a training coordinator organizing Erasmus+ trainings and youth exchanges. For the past three years, she has also been working as a trainer, mainly leading youth exchanges and focusing on topics such as design thinking, movement, and self-awareness. She has been active in youth work since her teenage years, participating in various programs both as a volunteer and an organizer. After spending a year volunteering in Belgium, she decided this was her path: her goal is to help young people experience the joy of community and personal growth.
Izabella has been working at Egyesek for nearly two years as a project coordinator, but she has been involved in community projects with youth and children across Europe for over ten years. Even before her first Erasmus+ training, she was active in European programs, participating in Comenius exchange programs in high school and volunteering for a year at a children's home in France after graduation. Since then, she has worked with young people in France, Spain, and Germany in the fields of dance, creativity, and self-awareness. Her studies range from anthropology to mental health and community building, and her aim is to create loving, creative spaces for young people to collaborate.
What does youth work mean?
What we believe is important is engaging with young people beyond the school system and traditional classroom settings—helping them connect, collaborate, and discover themselves and the world around them. That’s essentially what we do at Egyesek: developing "soft skills" and competencies through practice, and sharing methods, knowledge, and experience with other youth professionals.
The concept of youth work is extremely broad. According to the Egyesek team, “any professional field that works with young people—teachers, social workers, community organizers, trainers, coaches, counselors, psychologists—can be considered youth work,” says Alexandra, the program coordinator. “The goal is to support young people beyond formal schooling, helping them to connect, work together, and think independently.”
This approach is what makes Egyesek’s work stand out, as experiential, non-formal learning provides a framework that encourages young people to learn through their own experiences. “The formal school system often doesn’t equip students with the life skills, attitudes, and competencies needed for a fulfilling and responsible adult life.”
What kinds of programs do you organize?
The educational team at Egyesek offers a range of programs in two main categories: Erasmus+ youth exchanges and youth worker trainings. “Our youth exchanges are for young people aged 16–25. These are 10–12 day programs involving participants from 6–8 countries, using non-formal learning methods, with the aim of fostering intercultural collaboration and exchange,” said Izabella, project coordinator. The topics vary and include entrepreneurship, creativity, performing arts, teamwork, and intercultural learning.
“The real value lies in how young people get to know each other through shared challenges that require joint effort. They learn how different cultures, languages, and working styles influence the success of their common projects.”
“Our trainings aim to share the professional methods, tools, and approaches that have proven successful for Egyesek over nearly 25 years. Youth professionals come to us from all over Europe to learn from us and from each other, and they take what they’ve learned here back to their own communities and apply it in their work with young people,” adds Alexandra.
How many programs do you run each year?
“The number of programs varies each year, but in the past five years, we have typically organized 5–8 trainings and 2–3 youth exchanges annually. In addition, we send young people and professionals to programs in other countries. Altogether, our yearly program offering can easily reach fifteen,” they said. This diverse selection ensures that every participant can find a suitable opportunity for growth.
What do you actually do?
Program implementation requires close cooperation and careful planning—from the initial idea to grant writing and practical execution. “Since we offer programs for both young people and professionals, every project requires detailed preparation. After writing the applications, we ensure the smooth delivery of the programs, paying attention to participants’ needs and expectations.”
Why is it worth joining a youth exchange or training?
“It’s hard to put into words why it’s worth joining a program like this, but the experiences and skills you gain here truly stay with you for life,” says Izabella. “The sense of community, teamwork, language learning, and collaboration are all values that grow during the program. Plus, the international experiences help participants look beyond differences and build real communities.”
According to Alexandra, the trainings—especially those for professionals—offer a unique opportunity to build professional networks. “The greatest value for us is when participants not only learn new skills but become part of a community they can rely on in the future.”
The power of community
“The most important thing for us is community,” emphasizes Izabella. “The sense of community is at the heart of every program we run, and it’s through this that the most meaningful changes can happen.” The opportunities offered to young people not only support their personal development but also contribute to creating a supportive, community-building environment where they can discover themselves and others, and learn how to work together toward common goals.
