ERASMUS
Our Erasmus Mission
At our association, we believe that educating young people is the key to shaping a sustainable future. Through Erasmus+, we create opportunities for youth to engage in environmental education, international collaboration, and active citizenship. Our programs focus on green activities and empowering young people to take part in building a better tomorrow.
Erasmus+ allows us to connect with like-minded organizations across Europe, fostering lifelong friendships and partnerships while promoting the values of sustainability and cultural exchange. Together, we inspire the next generation to become the change-makers our world needs.
Our Team
Mercédesz Németh
Mercédesz is a seasoned advocate for youth exchanges, particularly within the Erasmus+ framework. With her MSc degree in geography, her expertise in nature conservation and connecting youth to the environment is invaluable. Mercédesz’s dedication and experience make her a key asset in the youth exchange community, where she continues to inspire and educate young people about the importance of environmental stewardship and our
connection to nature.
She participated in significant Erasmus+ training courses (and many more Erasmus Youth Exchanges).
E-mail: nemeth.mercedesz@kaptarko.hu
Bence Balla
He first came into contact with the association in 2022 on a hiking event organized by the association, then he participated in Erasmus+ youth exchanges in which the association took part as a partner. Since then, he has participated in nearly ten Erasmus+ projects (youth exchanges, training course and webinar). He is committed to passing on his acquired knowledge and experiences to the youth, his aim is to have greater future impact in the youth field. Thus, in 2023, he has started to deal with application writing, organization, project implementation, facilitation, he also acts as a group leader. In the future, he would like to expand his experience on training courses and other KA1 and KA2 projects. He is also a nature-loving athlete, actively performs outdoor sports and runs competitively.
E-mail: balla.bence@kaptarko.hu
András Verebélyi
He is an experienced, dedicated volunteer deeply committed to Erasmus projects. Over the years, he has excelled in project implementation and guiding applicants. His organizational skills, attention to detail, and leadership are crucial for event coordination, while his mentoring helps students navigate Erasmus applications. András’s own Erasmus experiences enhance his guidance, inspiring countless individuals to embrace international education. Awards acknowledge his contributions, but his true reward is witnessing students’ growth.
E-mail: verebelyi.andras@kaptarko.hu
Norbert Havasi
He founded the Association when he was 18 and has been an enthusiastic volunteer and organiser ever since. In previous years, he has participated in several Erasmus+ youth exchanges as a tour guide or programme leader. During these programmes, he shared with young people the Association’s nature and environmental activities, the knowledge and good practices accumulated during the Association’s existence, and demonstrated the importance of volunteering and active citizenship through her own example.
He participated in significant Erasmus+ training courses (and many more Erasmus Youth Exchanges).
E-mail: havasin@kaptarko.hu
Our hosted programs
2019-2-HU01-KA105-061363 – „Youth Acting for a Greener Environment – Small steps lead to big results /Y-AGE/”
The project titled “Youth acting for a greener environment – Small steps lead to big results” (Y-AGE) aimed to enhance young people’s environmental knowledge, raise their environmental awareness, and develop their competencies. Our international partner organizations – the Turulmadár Youth Office from Sfântu Gheorghe, Romania; the Luminosus n.o. non-profit organization from Veľké Kapušany, Slovakia; and the Zespol Szkol im. Bohaterow Westerplatte school foundation from Jabłonka, Poland – had selected and prepared the young participants for the youth exchange as early as September. They were tasked with addressing a local environmental or natural issue (environmental or nature degradation) that had affected them personally and whose harmful impacts they had also felt.
During the 9-day program, through project work, interactive presentations, games, and excursions, the participants gained extensive new knowledge, collected experiences, and shared them on an international level—opportunities they would not have had in a traditional classroom setting. Furthermore, the exchange program increased their openness, self-confidence, English language skills, and acceptance of other cultures. Through joint activities, the participants’ creativity and problem-solving abilities also improved. Throughout the program, we encouraged the young participants to be active and take initiative. To foster cultural exchange, we organized national evenings, and they also had the chance to explore Eger and the Bükk region.
At the end of the program—true to its name—the young participants took a small step toward a greener environment by organizing a waste collection activity. They cleaned up the area around Lake Felsőtárkány and the surrounding forest, collecting litter left by irresponsible visitors and illegally dumped waste. Using the collected trash, they built a „trash monster” to raise awareness of the waste problem, which caused significant environmental and natural damage in all four participating countries.
https://www.kaptarko.hu/2021/11/02/fiatalokkal-a-zoldebb-kornyezetert/
2023-3-HU01-KA152-YOU-000182733 – „Naturrific!”
Organized by our association, we implemented a successful Erasmus+ Youth Exchange program between May 25 and June 2, 2024, in Felsőtárkány. The aim of our program, named „Naturrific!”, was to promote environmental awareness and intercultural exchange among young people from seven European countries (Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine).
Over the Youth Exchange of more than one week, participants engaged in meaningful dialogues, shared best practices, and deepened their understanding of pressing environmental issues, all while working towards a stronger European community and a shared sense of purpose. During the week, participants took part in numerous exciting workshops (you can read more details about these on our website).
This project was implemented by Kaptárkő Természetvédelmi és Kulturális Egyesület with the support of the Erasmus+ program of the European Union.
Participating partners:
- NGO Genesis (Czech Republic)
- Pyhtään kunta (Finland)
- Socialinės Gerovės projektai (Lithuania)
- Asociación Brújula Intercultural (Spain)
- Yozgat Bozok Üniversitesi, Agriculture, Education and Environment Volunteers Community (Turkey)
- Forward for Future (Ukraine)
https://www.kaptarko.hu/2024/06/20/ujabb-sikeres-erasmus-ifjusagi-csereprogramot-valositottunk-meg
Us, as participants
BITRIMULTI Training Course, Budapest, HUNGARY
The aim of the BiTriMulti course is to offer an international learning experience for practitioners active in the youth work field, enabling them to develop their competences in setting up quality Youth Exchange projects;especially newcomers to this field.
The aim of the BTM training course is to offer an international learning experience to practitioners active in the youth work field, enabling them to develop their competences in setting up quality Youth Exchange projects.
2020-3-RO01-KA105-095092 – „With one step in the Past, and with the other one in the Future”
The project provided an opportunity for youth leaders to accumulate and share knowledge and methods in the field of environmental education and sustainable development in a non-formal setting. The youth workers participated in sessions which enabled them to acquire new knowledge and thus improve their work with young people. Several training modules have been developed to educate young people about sustainable environmental awareness.
https://turuliroda.ro/erasmus-projekt-ifjusagi-vezetoknek-a-turul-irodanal/
2020-3-IS01-KA105-082757 – „Nature and Lens”, Iceland
Six Hungarian young people represented the Kaptárkő Association in a 12-day Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Iceland. The program was organized by SEEDS Iceland in collaboration with partner organizations from Portugal and Transylvania. Over nearly two weeks, the focus was on the connection between photography and nature conservation. Participants explored the basics of photography, photo editing, and video creation, alongside topics such as environmental protection and climate change. In addition to workshops and exploring Reykjavík, participants had the opportunity to visit some of South Iceland’s stunning landmarks, including Skógafoss Waterfall, Black Sand Beach, Strokkur Geyser, Gullfoss Waterfall, and Thingvellir National Park. The event concluded with an online photo exhibition showcasing 21 of the best photos taken by the participants during the exchange.
https://www.facebook.com/seedsiceland/posts/10159676359408227/
2020-1-HR01-KA202-077757 – „Turn off the lights, turn on the stars”
A team of Croatian, Spanish and Hungarian educators, environmental and nature conservation experts explored the role of light pollution in education in a new approach. One of the aims of the project was to give professionals from each country a better insight into the work of star-lit parks and secondary schools in the other two countries, and to exchange experiences and share good practices. An important output requirement was the development of a programme that can be used in a VR environment to help better understand the problem of light pollution and to find answers to it. The programme provided each school with 10 to 10 VR glasses, which could be integrated into local curricula and the annual curriculum, helping students to learn about light pollution and environmental protection in a 21st century way in a VR environment.
https://www.kaptarko.hu/2022/05/03/turn-off-the-lights-turn-on-the-stars/
https://www.tsd.hr/site/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IO1_Turn-off-the-lights-turn-on-the-stars_Document-for-establishing-of-long-term-transnational-strategic-partnership-in-supporting-environmental-education-in-the-VET-secondary-schools.pdf
2023-1-SI02-KA152-YOU-000133347 – „Connect to Nature”, Slovenia
Six young people represented Hungary and the Kaptárkő Association in an unforgettable Erasmus+ Youth Exchange near Lake Bled, Slovenia. The program, titled „Connect to Nature,” brought together participants from Latvia, Ukraine, France, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Slovenia, and, of course, Hungary. The goal of the exchange was to reconnect young people with nature, helping them understand and appreciate its beauty and importance. Throughout the program, participants engaged in hiking adventures, nature-focused workshops, and interactive green learning sessions. In addition to the workshops, the stunning surroundings of Lake Bled offered a perfect backdrop for exploring Slovenia’s natural treasures. The group experienced the tranquility of the Julian Alps, the crystal-clear waters of the lake, and the breathtaking views that inspired a deeper connection to the environment. The program left participants not only with valuable knowledge about sustainability and nature conservation but also with lasting international friendships and a newfound appreciation for our planet.
TCA22SE-077 – “Think global, act RURAL”, Spain
Németh Mercédesz, representing the Kaptárkő Association, participated in the Erasmus+ Partnership Building Activity „Think Global, Act Rural.” The program aimed to encourage young people to contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of rural areas, focusing on sustainability, community building, and local economic development. The event brought together participants from various countries, allowing them to share experiences and explore innovative solutions for rural development and sustainability. Workshops, seminars, and field exercises examined the connections between global and local issues. The program emphasized the importance of sustainability, strengthened international partnerships, and highlighted the role of community responsibility. Mercédesz gained valuable insights and partners during the program
TCA22SE-049 – “Star of Europe Latvia”, Latvia
Németh Mercédesz, representing the Kaptárkő Association, took part in the Erasmus+ Partnership Building Activity „Star of Europe” in Latvia. This program aimed to strengthen the understanding of European identity and foster cross-cultural cooperation among young people from different countries. During the event, participants engaged in a series of workshops and activities focused on European values, youth empowerment, and building meaningful partnerships across borders. The goal was to enhance participants’ understanding of European cooperation and the role of youth in shaping the future of Europe. Mercédesz gained valuable knowledge and experience that will help her contribute to strengthening the European identity and building future collaborations in youth and community projects, also many of our good partners were met here.
2023-3-CZ01-KA152-YOU-000172100 – „Our Language is Sport”, Czech Republic
Six young people represented Hungary and the Kaptárkő Association in an inspiring Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in the Czech Republic. The program, titled “Our Language is Sport”, brought together participants from eight countries: the Czech Republic (organizer), Morocco, Slovenia, Spain, Kosovo, Georgia, Ukraine and Hungary. The exchange aimed to use sports as a universal language to help young people develop teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. The exchange took place at the Tramtáryje recreational center near Pardubice, offering excellent facilities and a stunning natural setting for walking in the forest and learning about sustainable practices. Throughout the program, participants engaged in diverse activities, including sports challenges, physical exercises, and interactive workshops. Each country introduced a traditional game, and the group had opportunities to try martial arts such as taekwondo and boxing by professional trainers. Evenings were filled with vibrant cultural exchanges, featuring food, music, and dance. Organized by NGO Genesis and co-financed by the European Union, the program fostered valuable skills and cross-cultural friendships.
TCA23-YOU-SE-054 – “Innovation Jam”, Finland
Németh Mercédesz, representing the Kaptárkő Association, participated in the Erasmus+ Partnership Building Activity „Innovation Jam: Tools and Spaces to Innovate in Youth Work.” This program aimed to explore innovative methods and tools in youth work, encouraging participants to think creatively about how to engage young people in meaningful ways. Throughout the event, participants took part in various workshops focused on co-creating new tools, resources, and approaches for youth engagement. The program encouraged collaboration, providing a platform for exchanging best practices and innovative ideas to address current challenges in youth work. Mercédesz gained valuable insights into how to incorporate innovative practices into youth work, which she can apply to future projects, ensuring more effective and engaging activities for young people.
TCA24-YOU-SE-045 – “Step into Cooperation Partnerships”, Estonia
Németh Mercédesz, representing the Kaptárkő Association, participated in the Erasmus+ Partnership Building Activity „Step into Cooperation: Partnerships.” The program was designed to strengthen partnerships between youth organizations and foster collaboration across Europe. During the event, participants engaged in activities aimed at improving the quality of cooperation between organizations. They explored the fundamentals of building and maintaining strong partnerships, as well as how to design and implement successful projects. The event also provided opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas with other organizations, enhancing the potential for future collaborations. Through this experience, Mercédesz gained new tools and strategies to strengthen partnerships within the youth sector and develop more impactful, collaborative projects in the future.
ECOrasmus: Webinar on eco-friendly and sustainable practices in youth work
Balla Bence, representing the Kaptárkő Association, participated in the ECOrasmus: Webinar on eco-friendly and sustainable practices in youth work, an online event aimed at promoting sustainable strategies in educational and youth work (as part of an Erasmus+ KA2 project). During the webinar, participants explored practical eco-friendly approaches in 7 topics, e.g. project planning, travel, materials and communication. During the ECOrasmus project, a dedicated webpage (www.ecorasmus.eu) was created to support youth workers and organizations in organizing sustainable youth projects. The site offers interactive tools and best practice examples focusing on seven key areas: project planning, travel, venue, food, materials, communication and collaboration with partners and the office. Additionally, a comprehensive handbook titled “Green your youth project!” was developed, providing practical guidance and strategies for implementing eco-friendly practices in youth work. The handbook is accessible online here. Bence gained valuable insights to apply these best practices in future projects, aligning with the goals of environmental stewardship and responsible youth engagement.
You can find more info about the project here: https://www.salto-youth.net/tools/toolbox/tool/ecorasmus-webpage-for-sustainable-youth-work.4333/
GreenLines Training Course
Balla Bence, representing the Kaptárkő Association, participated in the GreenLines Training Course held in Fonyód, Hungary, in October 2024. Part of the GreenLines project, the training brought together participants from Austria, Hungary, Italy and Portugal to promote sustainability in youth work. The program focused on practical tools and strategies for eco-friendly practices. Participants learned to use the Greendex tool, explored water resource management through interactive games, and engaged in the “Museum” workshop to exchange ideas and develop sustainable solutions. These activities provided actionable knowledge to incorporate environmental practices into youth projects. A strong emphasis on sustainability included an environmental cleanup challenge where participants collected garbage from the beach and plant-based meals that highlighted the benefits of eco-conscious diets. Cultural exchange was also a key component, with evening events showcasing the traditions and customs of the participating countries. In addition to its educational focus, the program emphasized well-being through activities like swimming in Lake Balaton and yoga sessions. Bence described the training as inspiring and professionally enriching, equipping him with tools to implement sustainability in future projects. The GreenLines project continued with dissemination activities, such as a long-distance bike trip, to spread its message of environmental responsibility. During the bike trip, Ivan, the president of APS Giallo Sassi ETS – Matera (the Italian project partner) came to meet our team in Eger, share the project result and to talk about future collaboration opportunites.
You can read more about the project here: https://eminafoundation.eu/Publications/GreenLines-Newsletter
You can read about Ivan’s visit here: https://www.facebook.com/icrpprojects/posts/pfbid0oUgwuWizudKs8REyiLqchjz7dqLBGCXKacGd9Z3G3bpruiM6peJ6EapJRfbQpm11l