What does youth work mean in Szécsény and the surrounding area?
The Egyesek Youth Association has been doing youth work in Szécsény and the surrounding communities for more than a decade. Our work focuses on experiential learning, volunteering, and community connection. These are experiences and encounters that help young people discover what they are capable of.
Our youth workers collaborate with an average of 10 international volunteers each year, who hold English-language skills development sessions for 200-300 local children and young people in schools, community centers, and public spaces. These sessions are not traditional language lessons. The goal is to develop the courage to speak up, foster cooperation, cultivate self-confidence, and promote openness.
Our work is based on close partnerships. We work with teachers, institutional leaders, community professionals, and local governments to determine what young people truly need.
School partnerships
New learning situations in schools: "It's okay if it's not perfect"
At the Nógrád County SzC Szondi György Technical College and Vocational School, cooperation began almost a decade ago, initially on an informal basis, but then became institutionalized as a result of positive experiences.
"This is not a traditional class. It is more open and relaxed, and children are encouraged to speak English and realize that it is okay if they are not perfect."
– Margó Kürtössyné Majer, teacher
The presence of international volunteers not only strengthens language use, but also brings cultural openness: students encounter different countries, accents, and life paths, which is particularly important in a smaller geographical area.
The school management also emphasizes that volunteers engage students who are less active in traditional classes.
"It's a tremendous opportunity for those who don't usually speak up to have their say. It's a box that we often can't open during class time."
– Ágnes Tanka, school principal
The joint work goes beyond the classroom: student council programs, celebrations, theme days, and international exchange opportunities are all linked to school attendance.
Living language, living connection
“The English: that’s what the children call the volunteers.”
– Zsuzsanna Gyebnárné Laczkó, teacher
Starting this school year, our volunteers are visiting disadvantaged children in the lower grades at the Nagylóc campus of the Hunyadi Mátyás Elementary School to provide sports and leisure activities and development opportunities.
The added value of volunteers quickly became apparent at the Szent Imre Catholic Primary School and High School, and since then, a flourishing collaboration has developed in connection with other programs.
"We also learn games and methods that we can later incorporate into our lessons."
– Jánosné Knyazoviczki, teacher
“More relaxed, liberated lessons, genuine relationships. The students ask when the Egyesek will be coming back.”
– Csaba Dudás, teacher
According to teachers, children are more confident in using the language because they realize that English is not just a subject, but a tool for communication. These methods are often reflected in the teachers' own lessons.
Our cooperation with the II. Rákóczi Ferenc Elementary School also goes back many years. The school previously operated as a secondary school, where our volunteers held classes within the school curriculum, which are now offered as afternoon activities.
“The little ones adore the volunteers, while it is more difficult to spark the interest of the older ones, but the activities still result in a kind of openness among them. The volunteers are also a great help at school events.”
– Gabriella Kiss, teacher
Communal spaces and community centers
The Egyesek Youth Association has been present in various forms at the Kuckó Playhouse in Ludányhalász since 2018. Here, the emphasis is not only on learning, but also on creating a safe space.
"Every Thursday, the children flock in. They wait for the volunteers. When the volunteers leave at the end of their project, the children cry for them."
– Edit Farkasné Tapodó, playhouse manager
Long-term volunteers play an important role: they are not "guests" but become part of the community. For children, encountering different cultures, playing together, performing on stage, and speaking up become natural.
The Youth Center: a community space that was missing
"There hasn't been a youth club in Szécsény for 30 years
During the discussions, several people emphasized that Szécsény has long lacked a dedicated youth space. The Youth Center responds to this need.
It can be a place where young people can get together, learn, and create in a safe environment. Experience shows that young people can be entrusted with a wide variety of tasks, so the Youth Center is sure to be a high-quality place."
– Andrea Szerémy Csukáné, Deputy Mayor
The Youth Center does not seek to compete with existing institutions, but rather complements them: it provides space for community programs, cultural events, English clubs, and talent development.
While the renovation of the house is ongoing, the programs will continue. We have been working closely with FeteKert Café for a long time, and they have hosted many of our programs.
"You are reaching young people well, and I am glad that there are several age groups involved. I think the success of our cooperation lies in the fact that everyone does their own job."
– Andrea Garamvölgyi, head of FeteKert in Szécsény
A shared future
The feedback is clear: youth work carried out with volunteers has a visible impact on children's self-confidence, language use, and openness. Our cooperation with our partners is not a campaign, but a long-term relationship based on trust.
This work really works when we do it together: schools, community spaces, local governments, and civil organizations working together.
