Shelters of Solidarity
When displacement disrupts education and childhood, learning and play become paths to healing. Together with international volunteers, Egyesek Youth Association brings creativity, care, and connection to children affected by war across Hungary.
Solidarity in action
Across Europe, the effects of displacement have challenged both refugees and host communities. Since 2022, Egyesek Youth Association has partnered with organizations such as Terre des hommes and Migration Aid to create safe, inclusive, and creative learning spaces for children from Ukraine. Through the European Solidarity Corps, young people from all over Europe and partner countries join us to turn solidarity into action supporting schools, kindergardens, and community programs that rebuild hope and belonging.
School of Solidarity - Learning Without Borders
In Migration Aid's refugee shelter and school, volunteers supported children’s education through play, workshops, and care. The project turned shared experiences into acts of solidarity, rebuilding trust and belonging beyond borders.
Resilience Innovation Facilities Summer Camps
In Budapest and Győr, volunteers and Terre des hommes created joyful spaces for children affected by war. Through art, design, and digital workshops, the camps offered healing, learning, and connection in an atmosphere of creativity and care.
Build up Alpakaland
In Esztergályhorváti, young volunteers from across Europe helped build Alpakaland, a healing space where children can reconnect with nature. Their work transformed an empty field into a welcoming place of growth and community.
Ukrainian Refugee School Volunteering
At the Masoret Avot School in Budapest, international volunteers joined teachers and children to turn classrooms into lively, inclusive spaces. Together they used play, art, and teamwork to strengthen learning, well-being, and cross-cultural understanding.
ESC Volunteering Teams in High Priority Area
School of Solidarity - LWB I.
From 24th February till 10th March 2024, volunteers launched the first camp in Budapest, creating a joyful and safe environment where children displaced from Ukraine could learn, play, and reconnect through creative workshops.
School of Solidarity - LWB II.
From 9th till 24th March 2024, a new team continued the journey, deepening bonds with the children and expanding activities that nurtured confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
School of Solidarity - LWB III.
From 23rd March till 7th April 2024, the experience grew stronger as volunteers brought fresh ideas and energy, turning daily school life into a space of curiosity, care, and intercultural exchange.
School of Solidarity - LWB IV.
From 6th till 21st April 2024, the final camp crowned the series with lasting friendships and a sense of belonging — leaving behind not just memories, but a community strengthened by solidarity.
Build up Alpakaland
From 26th April till 11th May 12 volunteers banded together in Esztergályhorváti to build an animal-assisted healing space for Ukrainian refugee children, transforming a plot of land into a vibrant, inclusive camp where nature, creativity and community healing flourished.
Resilience Innovation Facilities Summer Camp 1.
From 6th till 21st July 2024, volunteers gathered in Budapest and Győr to work together with children displaced from Ukraine at the Resilience Innovation Facilities, using digital-making, play and shared creation to rebuild the sense of safety and community
Resilience Innovation Facilities Summer Camp 2.
From 3rd till 18th August 2024, the next wave of volunteers returned to the RIF summer camps to deepen the creative workshops and leisure programmes, helping children grow their confidence, skills and connections across cultures.
Ukrainian Refugee School Vol. 1
From 10th May till 25th May 2025, volunteers joined children in Budapest’s Ukrainian school to bring after-school creativity, learning and regular support into their lives during a time of upheaval.
Ukrainian Refugee School Vol. 2
From 24th May till 8th June, the second team built on the first wave’s momentum, deepening connections and strengthening the children’s educational and emotional support in a routine enriched by solidarity and action.
Ukrainian Refugee School Vol. 3
From 7th June till 22nd June 2025, the third edition of the project brought volunteers into the heart of Budapest’s Ukrainian school community to consolidate the gains - embedding a culture of learning, play and belonging for children uprooted by war.
Learn more about the projects
Lasting impact
Voices from the programs
I deeply loved my time in the school and actually it was the best volunteering program I participated so far!
MariameI am very grateful for this opportunity. I believe this might be one of the most meaningful volunteering projects I have done so far. It had a strong emotional impact on me and pushed me to be more proactive in my community.
LeeneIt was sometimes a hard but valuable experience that forced me to rethink my life and the lives of my compatriots a lot. I found out that working with young kids is quite hard for me, but working with youngsters empowers me and them more.
KaterynaI think the project was very important and necessary. I believe we did help the people in need and made their lives a little easier and better. What is more, the project helped me a lot to develop, acquire new skills and meet amazing people. Overall, it was great and I believe we contributed at least a little bit to the well-being of people.
MariamThe project itself was really well organized and meet the expectations, the work required a lot of individual initiative, creativity and readiness to handle new and complex situations. I learned a lot about myself and my endurance to this kind of environment.
LauraI deeply loved my time in the school and actually it was the best volunteering program I participated so far!
KetiInteresting knowledge about the reality.
IgnacioIt was a great experience, my first time volunteering, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. I met amazing people, made new friends, learned a lot, and felt truly involved in something meaningful.
OlenaI really enjoyed everything this was my first volunteering experience, and I’m completely satisfied with the work. I made new friends and acquaintances, received lots of positive emotions, gained valuable experience, and felt like I was part of something meaningful.
PawelIt was my first experience in such project. I am really grateful for organization, support and help. I found out a lot about myself and I have a feeling that I discover new myself.
LoeliaWant to Make a Difference?
Join us in our next European Solidarity Corps projects in Hungary and be part of a team that transforms care into action, helping children learn, play, and grow again. These projects are made possible with the support of the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union, whose commitment to youth engagement and inclusion enables young people to make a real impact across borders.
See Current Programs
