Partner
Tarisznya Alapítvány (Knapsack Foundation) is a Hungarian charity organization dedicated to promoting equal opportunities for Roma children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds through project-based, child-centered education. Since 2016, the foundation has been supporting youth in Nógrád County by creating playful, community-focused learning environments that strengthen confidence, skills, and broader life opportunities. The foundation’s flagship program, Tarisznya Tanoda in Litke, offers a rich mix of educational, creative, sports, and community activities led by local coordinators and supported by volunteers. Together, they aim to empower children with a sense of belonging, personal growth, and lifelong curiosity.
Volunteering
As part of the summer camp, volunteers will contribute to a diverse range of meaningful, hands-on activities that bring the foundation’s mission to life. You will work together with fellow international volunteers and the local team to support educational and community experiences for children aged 6–14. The activities will mainly take place in the afternoons, approximately between 14:00 and 20:00, when the children arrive at the after-school centre. During this time, volunteers will help organise and facilitate games, creative workshops, sports, outdoor activities, and cultural exchange moments. Through play, learning, and shared experiences, the aim is to broaden the children’s horizons and create a positive, supportive environment. Volunteers will play an important role in building trust with the children, strengthening their self-confidence, and bringing energy and joy to the daily programme. At the same time, volunteers will have the opportunity to experience the vibrant community life of Tarisznya Tanoda and gain first-hand insight into how education and community support can create positive change. No specific background or professional experience is required. What matters most is enthusiasm, openness, patience, and a willingness to engage with the children and work as part of an international volunteer team alongside the local staff.
Accommodation and Food
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps programme. There is no participation fee. Volunteers will be accommodated in a large guesthouse located approximately 200 meters from the after-school centre where the activities will take place. Accommodation will be in shared rooms, with 3–4 volunteers per room. The guesthouse has one bathroom available for the group; however, an additional bathroom is available at the after-school centre and can also be used by volunteers during the project. Food will be organised in the following way: breakfast will be self-served, with the host organisation providing the necessary ingredients for the volunteers. Lunch will be ordered from a local catering service. Dinner will be organised depending on the day and the programme: it may be prepared together with the after-school centre, cooked by the volunteer group, or ordered from a local provider. Each volunteer will receive €7 per day as pocket money. Travel costs to and from the project location will be reimbursed after participation according to the European Solidarity Corps distance bands. All necessary equipment and materials required for the project activities will be provided by the host organisation.
Location and Leisure
Litke is a small village in Nógrád County, near the Slovak border, surrounded by hills, forests, and peaceful countryside. It’s the perfect place to experience everyday life in rural Hungary, connect with locals, and slow down beyond the city pace. In your free time, enjoy nature walks, short hikes, and relaxed village evenings with fellow volunteers. Discover local traditions, visit nearby villages, and take small trips in the region. Life in Litke is simple, social, and community-focused—an authentic Hungarian experience you won’t find in guidebooks.
Requirements
No special documentation is necessary. No language requirements, but we do require a means of communicating with the organizers in Hungarian or English. Please bring clothes you won’t mind getting dirty, your sleeping bag, and any personal medication.
Travel
Meeting point: Litke Kultúrház (main bus station), Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 7.15 pm.
The closest airport is Budapest Airport (BUD) – Liszt Ferenc International Airport. From the airport, you can travel by bus and metro to Budapest Újpest-Városkapu (1 hour), then to Litke by bus (2 hours). There is only one direct bus to Litke departing at 4.30 pm from Újpest-Városkapu. If you cannot reach it, you can travel through Szécsény.
