In July 2025, the Erasmus+ project “Music for Human Rights and Inclusion” gathered youth workers from across Europe in the beautiful coastal setting of Varna’s Golden Sands. The programme was designed to explore how music can be a powerful tool for promoting human rights, social inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. By combining creative artistic practices with participatory methods, the training offered a unique space where participants could learn, collaborate, and design initiatives aimed at building more inclusive communities. For Berek Barátja Egyesület from Hungary, this opportunity arrived at a crucial time, as the organisation was seeking innovative ways to engage young people in meaningful social change.
In Hungary, many communities face ongoing challenges related to social cohesion and equality. Minority groups, including Roma communities, continue to encounter barriers in education, employment, and public life. Prejudice and lack of understanding between cultural groups often lead to segregation, limiting the opportunities for meaningful connection and mutual respect. While policies exist to protect human rights, there is a noticeable gap between legal frameworks and the lived reality of many young people. For years, local initiatives have aimed to address these challenges, but new, creative approaches are needed to reach younger generations in a way that resonates with their experiences and aspirations.
The training in Varna introduced a refreshing perspective. Participants engaged in a week of intensive learning, creative collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange. Workshops explored music as both a form of artistic expression and a tool for advocacy. Songwriting, drumming circles, and collaborative jam sessions were not simply musical activities; they became platforms to share stories, raise awareness, and inspire empathy. What made the experience truly remarkable was how music managed to break down language barriers. Even participants who could not easily communicate through words found connection through rhythm, melody, and shared performance.
An important aspect of the programme was its integration of human rights education into artistic practice. Through role-playing and interactive discussions, participants learned to connect musical projects to international human rights conventions and principles of equality and non-discrimination. This gave artistic expression a deeper, more purposeful meaning. It became clear that music could not only unite people emotionally but also carry powerful messages that challenge injustice and promote understanding.
One of the most memorable moments was the public performance on the Golden Sands promenade. With the Black Sea as a backdrop, youth workers from different countries shared songs, dances, and rhythms from their own cultures. The performance attracted locals and tourists alike, transforming the promenade into a space of shared joy, curiosity, and solidarity. After the show, the group gathered for reflection sessions, discussing what worked well, what could be improved, and how these experiences could inspire sustainable projects back home.
Returning to Hungary, Berek Barátja Egyesület launched an initiative called “Sound for Solidarity.” Inspired by the methods learned in Varna, the project invited young people from diverse backgrounds to participate in weekly music workshops. These sessions combined practical music training with discussions on equality, cultural diversity, and social justice. The goal was to create a safe and creative space where young people could express themselves, listen to each other’s experiences, and find common ground through shared artistic creation.
The initiative soon grew beyond workshops. Public performances were organised in community centres, local parks, and cultural festivals. Each event carried a clear message: diversity is a strength, and inclusion benefits everyone. Audiences were encouraged to participate, whether by singing along, joining in drumming circles, or sharing their own cultural traditions. The interactive nature of the events helped break down stereotypes and foster genuine human connections.
The impact of “Sound for Solidarity” has been significant. Young participants reported feeling more confident, not only in their artistic abilities but also in their willingness to speak up for themselves and others. Several have taken the lead in organising further music-based activities in their schools and communities. For the broader public, the project offered a new way of seeing cultural diversity—not as a challenge to be managed but as an opportunity for enrichment and growth.
The experience also strengthened Berek Barátja Egyesület’s network, leading to new partnerships with schools, NGOs, and cultural organisations. The connections made during the Erasmus+ training have opened possibilities for future collaborations with other European partners. This cross-border cooperation promises to bring fresh ideas and resources to Hungary, ensuring that the work of promoting human rights and inclusion through music continues to evolve.
Looking forward, Berek Barátja Egyesület plans to expand “Sound for Solidarity” to reach more rural communities, where opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic expression are often limited. There is also interest in incorporating other art forms, such as theatre and visual arts, into the programme, making it even more inclusive and accessible.
The training in Varna was more than a professional development opportunity—it was a reminder of the power of creativity to inspire change. Music has a unique ability to unite people across differences, open space for dialogue, and spark action toward a fairer and more compassionate society. In Hungary, the melodies and rhythms born from this experience continue to echo, carrying forward a message of unity, respect, and shared humanity.