The “Step Out, Tune in!” Youth Participation project was a long-term participatory process where young people were active contributors rather than passive observers.

Through field visits, workshops, and discussions with decision-makers, participants explored topics such as nature protection, sustainability, tourism, waste management, and environmental challenges. They developed their own ideas and proposals based on real experiences and research, while learning how meaningful youth participation can create dialogue and inspire change.

The project showed that environmental sustainability is best understood through experience, and that participation becomes truly valuable when young people can actively shape the process themselves.

The “Inner Compass” project focused on mental health, personal development, inclusion, and intercultural learning.

During the program, participants took part in interactive workshops, outdoor activities, cultural exchange evenings, and team-building experiences. The exchange encouraged young people to reflect on themselves, connect with others, and explore important social topics in a supportive international environment.

The project created meaningful experiences, new friendships, and valuable learning opportunities for all participants.

The aim of the project was to enhance young people’s knowledge of environmental protection, while developing their environmental awareness and related competences. As early as September, our foreign partner organizations selected the young participants for the youth exchange and prepared them for the programme through tasks related to the project theme. Participants from each country were asked to present a local environmental or nature-related problem (environmental degradation or damage to nature) that directly affects them and whose negative impacts they personally experience.

During the nine-day programme, young people gained a wealth of new knowledge, collected valuable experience, and exchanged ideas on an international level through project work, interactive presentations, games, and excursions—opportunities that would not have been available to them in a traditional classroom setting. Furthermore, the exchange programme increased their openness, self-confidence, English language skills, and acceptance of other cultures. Through the joint activities, participants also developed their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Throughout the project, we continuously encouraged the young people to be active and take initiative. To promote intercultural learning, we organized national evenings where participants introduced their cultures, and they also had the opportunity to discover the city of Eger and the Bükk Mountains.

At the end of the programme – true to its title – the young people took a small step towards a greener environment by organizing a waste collection campaign. Around Lake Felsőtárkány and in the surrounding forest, they collected litter left behind by irresponsible visitors as well as illegally dumped waste. Using the collected rubbish, they built a “trash monster” to raise awareness of the waste problem, which causes serious environmental and ecological damage in all four participating countries.

Our association participated in an Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Iceland together with young people from Iceland, Portugal, Italy, and Hungary. The “Earth in Focus” project focused on climate change, nature protection, and photography as a tool to raise environmental awareness.

During the program, participants explored Iceland’s unique natural landscapes, learned the basics of photography, and worked together on creative projects. Despite the challenging weather at times, the experience helped build a strong international community and created unforgettable memories for everyone involved.

Applicant organization: SEEDS Iceland

This Erasmus+ training focused on sustainability and rethinking consumption habits. The training examined the impact of modern consumer culture and how to encourage young people to make more conscious choices. From repairing and reusing to fast fashion and disposable culture, we explored changing habits through a generational lens. Environmental responsibility in youth work, the influence of advertising and social media, and practical approaches such as slow fashion and upcycling were key elements.

The experience gained will help us strengthen sustainability within our programs and develop youth projects that promote a more responsible lifestyle, while further expanding our international partnerships.

Applicant organization: EUducate Association

One week with professionals from all over Europe and a shared mission: to build meaningful partnerships for a more sustainable and connected future.

This inspiring Erasmus+ activity focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating strong project collaborations across borders. We didn’t just exchange ideas – we co-created. We didn’t just talk about SDGs – we practiced them. We built real connections based on trust, shared values, and a common vision of change. From developing project concepts, maintaining the My Madeira Forest in Funchal’s Ecological Park – by removing dry, invasive vegetation to reduce wildfire risk, and planting new native trees to boost biodiversity and climate resilience -, and mapping our cooperation across Europe, to deep reflections and late-night brainstorming… We also had the chance to experience the rich and diverse culture of Madeira, which brought a vibrant and authentic local dimension to the week. This was more than just a training. It was a space for vision, commitment, and action.

Applicant organization: My Madeira Island

The project focused on health and wellbeing through a holistic approach, encouraging young people to reconnect with themselves, others, and nature.

Participants took part in experiential learning activities, workshops, outdoor programs, reflection sessions, and community living in a natural environment. The exchange promoted healthy habits, inclusion, solidarity, and personal growth, while creating a supportive international community for young people from different backgrounds.

The project provided meaningful experiences, new connections, and inspiring moments that encouraged participants to bring positive changes into their everyday lives.

Applicant organization: Youth for Water Association

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.

Applicant organization: EMINA Career Guidance Foundation

The program 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.

Applicant organization: Genesis NGO

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.

Applicant organization: National Agency – Finland

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.

Applicant organization: Youth for Water Association

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.

Applicant organization: National Agency – Latvia

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/

Applicant organization: SEEDS Iceland

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.

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.