In March 2024, a meaningful international training called “European Values, Active Democracy and Engagement” (EVADE) took place in Tbilisi, Georgia. The Erasmus+ project gathered youth workers from many different European and neighboring countries. It was created as a response to the growing challenges of misinformation, political changes, and the decreasing participation of young people in democratic life. By focusing on European values, human rights, and active citizenship, the project gave participants the chance to grow their knowledge, improve their youth work skills, and connect with others who share the same mission. The goal was not only to teach, but to inspire participants to return home and create new, positive changes in their own communities.
In Hungary, the social environment has become more divided in recent years. Many young people feel that their voices are not heard and that their opinions do not matter in political discussions. There is a growing distance between decision-makers and youth, and many young people do not trust political institutions. Schools often focus more on academic results than on encouraging critical thinking, civic knowledge, or active participation in society. As a result, many youth workers in Hungary have seen that young people are unsure of their role in democracy and often do not feel confident to take part in important conversations about their future. Before the training in Tbilisi, these issues were a big concern for the ChangeMakers Academy, an NGO that works with young people across Hungary to support education, inclusion, and participation.
The EVADE training in Georgia was an eye-opening experience for one of the youth workers from ChangeMakers Academy. It was not just a typical training—it was a space where real dialogue took place. Participants shared their experiences of working with young people during difficult social situations. One of the most powerful moments came from a session that encouraged participants to reflect on what democracy means in their daily lives. During this time, the Hungarian youth worker realized how important it is to build personal connections between young people and political life—not through theory, but through storytelling, dialogue, and direct engagement. The visit to a local organization in Tbilisi that works with young people and municipal leaders was especially inspiring. There, they saw how young people could ask questions, make suggestions, and be part of decision-making processes in their city. This made a deep impression and gave a clear idea: in Hungary, there must be more spaces for young people to connect with politicians, speak about their concerns, and build mutual trust.
After returning to Hungary, the youth worker, together with colleagues at ChangeMakers Academy, began designing a new program focused on Dialogue with Politicians. The initiative, called “Let’s Talk Together,” aimed to create a regular space where local youth could meet with political leaders in an informal and respectful environment. The goal was to reduce the distance between these two groups and help young people understand how their voices matter. Inspired by the training in Tbilisi, the team used interactive methods such as role plays, discussion circles, and storytelling to prepare young participants before the meetings. They also invited local mayors, council members, and education officials to join the conversations. Importantly, both groups were guided to listen to each other, not to debate or argue, but to find common ground.
The first event took place in a small town near Budapest and gathered over 40 participants, including teenagers from secondary schools, local government representatives, and youth workers. The event was emotional and full of learning moments. Some young people shared their frustration about the lack of sports spaces or youth programs in their neighborhood. Others asked why politics often seems distant and complicated. The politicians, in turn, admitted that they often did not know how to reach youth or how to make policies more youth-friendly. After the event, several new ideas were discussed, such as a youth council, better communication channels, and a budget proposal for a new youth-led initiative in the area.
The project started to grow, and more towns and youth centers became interested. In the following months, “Let’s Talk Together” held three more dialogue events in different regions. The impact was visible. Young people began to speak with more confidence, ask better questions, and feel a new sense of connection to their communities. Some of them continued their involvement by joining local youth advisory boards or creating school-based civic clubs. Teachers and parents noticed the change as well: young people became more informed and motivated to contribute to their surroundings. For ChangeMakers Academy, the success of the project was proof that dialogue is not only possible but necessary—and that young people, when supported, can play an active role in shaping their communities.
On a larger scale, the initiative also started a new conversation about youth participation at the regional level. Media outlets reported on the events, and a few politicians mentioned them in public speeches. This attention helped the NGO apply for more funding to continue their work and include young people from more rural areas who are often left out. The connection between training, local action, and broader awareness became a model that the organization plans to share with other youth workers in Hungary and abroad.
Reflecting on this journey, the experience of the EVADE project continues to bring motivation and direction. It showed how powerful international exchange can be—how learning in one country can lead to action in another. The training helped build confidence, provide tools, and create friendships that continue to support youth workers long after the project ends. It reminded everyone involved that democracy is not only about voting or political parties—it is about feeling part of something, being heard, and taking responsibility for the future.
Youth in Hungary, like everywhere, have ideas, dreams, and a strong will to be part of positive change. What they need are spaces to speak, chances to be trusted, and people who believe in them. With support from Erasmus+ and programs like EVADE, youth workers are better prepared to build these bridges. The long-term vision is clear: communities where young people are partners in dialogue, where democratic values are lived, not just taught, and where civic engagement becomes part of everyday life. Through training, action, and hope, a more inclusive and empowered society is possible—one conversation at a time.