In November 2024, youth workers from across Europe gathered in Benalmádena, Spain, for the Erasmus+ training course Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion. The project aimed to help youth workers strengthen their capacity to promote equality, inclusion, and respect for human rights in their work with young people. Through the program, participants gained practical tools and insights to address the challenges faced by LGBT youth and to create safer, more supportive communities. Among the participants was a youth worker representing Creative Youth Academy from Hungary, who returned home with renewed motivation and a deeper understanding of how small actions can lead to meaningful social change.
The Erasmus+ project took place within a global context where inclusion and equality are still works in progress. It served as a reminder that human rights begin at the community level, and that youth workers play an essential role in shaping values of empathy and respect among younger generations. The training brought together passionate individuals who shared the same vision: to build a society where every young person, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can feel safe, accepted, and valued.
The Local Context in Hungary
In Hungary, the topic of LGBT rights has often been challenging, both socially and politically. While many young people are open-minded and ready to embrace diversity, public discussions around inclusion and equality are still met with hesitation in some parts of society. Before the Erasmus+ project, many youth workers, including those from Creative Youth Academy, noticed a lack of proper resources and safe spaces for young people to discuss identity, diversity, and tolerance. Schools and community centers rarely included these topics in their educational programs, leaving many young people feeling misunderstood or isolated.
This situation made the project especially relevant for Hungarian youth workers. They needed practical knowledge and supportive networks to navigate these sensitive issues and to create activities that promote understanding rather than division. The participant from Creative Youth Academy joined the training in Spain with the hope of learning from others—how to make youth spaces more inclusive, how to support vulnerable young people, and how to encourage dialogue in communities that might not yet be ready for open discussions on diversity.
The Training Experience in Benalmádena
The week in Benalmádena was filled with intense learning, reflection, and connection. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, allowing participants to express their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment. Trainers used interactive workshops and non-formal education methods that focused on empathy, storytelling, and self-awareness. These sessions helped participants better understand how discrimination can affect mental health, confidence, and opportunities among young people.
For the youth worker from Creative Youth Academy, one of the most eye-opening experiences was a simulation activity showing the daily challenges faced by LGBT youth—from subtle forms of exclusion to open discrimination. Through role-playing and group reflection, participants explored how simple actions, such as using inclusive language or showing understanding, can make a big difference in creating safer environments.
The training also included visits to local organizations in Spain that support diversity through education and community engagement. Participants met with social workers and volunteers who ran awareness campaigns, art projects, and inclusive events. These local examples showed that inclusion can be achieved not only through policy but also through creativity, dialogue, and persistence.
Equally important was the cultural exchange among participants. Representatives from different countries shared their realities and experiences. Despite coming from various cultural and social contexts, everyone agreed that education and youth work have the power to change perceptions and promote equality. These conversations inspired the participant from Hungary to think about how international cooperation could help address local challenges back home.
Post-Project Action in Hungary
Returning to Hungary, the youth worker from Creative Youth Academy felt inspired to bring the knowledge gained in Benalmádena into practice. With support from the organization, a new local initiative called Open Minds Hungary was launched in early 2025. The project aimed to create open spaces for dialogue and learning about diversity, equality, and respect.
The first step was organizing a series of workshops for young people and youth workers in Budapest. The sessions were designed around the methods learned in Spain—interactive games, discussions, and creative activities that encouraged empathy and understanding. Participants explored real-life situations where inclusion matters, learning how to react to discrimination and how to support their peers.
The initiative also worked on strengthening partnerships between schools, NGOs, and youth centers. Creative Youth Academy reached out to local educators and offered training sessions on inclusive practices. These sessions helped teachers gain confidence in addressing sensitive topics and fostered collaboration between formal and non-formal education sectors.
Another important part of Open Minds Hungary was the creation of a social media campaign aimed at young audiences. Using colorful visuals and simple messages, the campaign encouraged acceptance and kindness, reminding followers that small acts of respect can have a big impact.
Impact on Youth and Community
Within just a few months, Open Minds Hungary started to make a visible difference. Young people who joined the workshops reported feeling more confident and informed about diversity and inclusion. They shared that the sessions helped them understand how stereotypes can harm relationships and why empathy is important in everyday life.
Teachers and youth workers who participated in the training also noted positive changes. They became more comfortable discussing diversity in their classrooms and youth groups, using inclusive language and encouraging open dialogue. Some even started their own local initiatives, expanding the project’s influence beyond Budapest.
The broader impact was not only educational but emotional. Many participants described how the program helped them see inclusion as a shared responsibility rather than a political topic. They realized that creating a supportive environment starts with individual attitudes and everyday choices. For Creative Youth Academy, these results were proof that the lessons from Benalmádena were taking root in Hungarian soil—growing into a community movement for kindness and respect.
Reflection and Future Vision
Looking back, the Empowering Youth Workers for LGBT Rights and Inclusion training in Spain was more than just a professional experience—it was a turning point. It reminded everyone involved that human rights education must start early, within schools and youth organizations, where values of equality and empathy can grow naturally.
For the participant from Creative Youth Academy, the training confirmed that inclusion is not about changing laws alone—it is about changing hearts. It showed that even in challenging contexts, positive change is possible when youth workers act with courage and compassion.
The organization now plans to expand Open Minds Hungary to rural areas, where opportunities for dialogue are still limited. They also aim to connect with international partners to share good practices and create joint projects under the Erasmus+ framework.
The story of this project is one of learning, cooperation, and hope. It shows that when youth workers come together to share knowledge and support one another, they can shape a future where every young person feels accepted for who they are. From Benalmádena to Budapest, the message remains the same: inclusion is not a distant goal—it is a daily practice that begins with understanding, respect, and human connection.