One of the most significant processes of the past month was the opportunity to learn about the stories, thoughts, and everyday realities of nearly sixty young people and youth workers from different parts of the country. This November, we embarked on a journey that was at once a professional exploration, a series of human encounters, and a shared reflection on the future direction of youth work. As we travelled through seven regions of the country and listened to participants’ experiences through interactive workshops, it quickly became clear just how diverse the realities of Hungarian young people are, and how many challenges—as well as opportunities—shape their daily lives.
This month marked the first stage of our Erasmus+ 2025 Accreditation’s System Development and Information Activities: the nationwide needs assessment and collective reflection we had long been preparing for.
The conversations at each stop took on different emphases. In some places, young people spoke about the gradual disappearance of local communities; elsewhere, they highlighted the lack of information about available opportunities; and in other locations, enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong desire to take action were the most prominent. One thing, however, was consistent everywhere: the openness with which we were received. This was an immense gift and a powerful source of affirmation. It was heartening to see so many young people willing to devote their time and energy to thinking together about what kind of youth work would be truly relevant in Hungary today—and how we might convincingly demonstrate to young people that their voices genuinely matter.
It became clear to us that youth work can only have real impact when it meaningfully connects with the lived realities of young people: when we are present where they are, when we speak in a voice that is familiar and understandable to them, and when we create spaces of experience that foster genuine growth and empowerment. The stories, feelings, and insights shared by the young participants form an authentic map on which the work of the future can be built. All of this also revealed the immense power of collective action and how many people are eager to take an active role in creating better, more inclusive, and more livable environments within their own communities.
And perhaps most exciting of all: in the spring, we will set out again. We will continue this inspiring process, and we hope to reach even more places. If you would like your town, school, or community to be one of our next stops, we would be delighted to hear from you! We look forward with curiosity to discovering where else we might find communities eager to join this evolving process—and we will gladly go wherever we are needed.
Thank you for everything we received over the past month. From here, we move forward—together with you, for you, and for young people.
