In June 2023, youth workers from across Europe came together in Cefalù, a coastal town in Sicily, for the Erasmus+ training course “Wellness Beyond Stereotypes.” The aim of this international project was to explore how stereotypes affect young people’s mental health and self-worth, and how youth workers can promote wellness through more inclusive practices. The program focused on developing tools and methods to help youth feel accepted and supported, no matter their background, identity, or appearance. It combined practical workshops, creative sessions, and meaningful conversations between participants from different countries. For the youth worker from Creative Youth Academy Hungary, this training offered a fresh perspective on youth work and gave new energy to start positive change back home.
In Hungary, the situation for young people in May 2023 was complicated. Many youth were facing social pressure, confusion about identity, and a lack of emotional support. In schools and in public life, traditional views about gender roles and behavior were still very strong. Teenagers who did not fit these expectations often felt alone or were treated differently. Some were judged for how they dressed, who they loved, or where they came from. Roma youth, LGBTQ+ youth, and young people living in poverty experienced discrimination on a daily basis. In rural areas, access to youth programs or safe spaces was very limited. Most schools focused on academic success, and there was little attention to emotional well-being or diversity. Mental health problems like anxiety and low self-esteem were increasing, but students rarely had someone they could talk to without fear of judgment. Many youth workers in Hungary wanted to help, but they lacked training or resources to deal with such sensitive topics.
The training course in Cefalù brought a new way of thinking. One of the most eye-opening parts was the discussion on how stereotypes can be hidden, even in small comments or school rules. Participants learned to recognize their own bias and think about how society often puts people into categories. A strong moment was a storytelling exercise where participants shared moments when they felt judged or excluded. These personal stories created a deep feeling of connection between people who had never met before. Another important experience was a workshop on inclusive methods, where youth workers used theatre, drawing, and movement to help young people express themselves in non-verbal ways. The atmosphere was always respectful, allowing everyone to feel safe and free. The training showed that inclusion is not just about accepting difference—it is about making space where everyone belongs.
After returning to Hungary, the youth worker felt inspired to take action. Together with the team at Creative Youth Academy Hungary, they created a local project called “One of Us.” The aim was to support young people who feel excluded and to challenge stereotypes in youth spaces. The project started with a series of workshops in schools and community centers in and around Budapest. The sessions combined discussion circles, creative activities, and awareness games that helped participants understand how stereotypes work and how they can affect people’s confidence and happiness. The project used many of the same methods from Cefalù, especially the focus on personal stories and emotional safety. Youth were invited to speak if they wanted, but nobody was forced. They were encouraged to explore questions like “What makes me feel different?” or “When did someone misunderstand me?”
The response from the young people was stronger than expected. Some students said it was the first time they talked about their identity in a group. Others listened carefully and began to understand the struggles their classmates were going through. In one workshop, a girl shared her experience of hiding her true self because she was afraid of being judged. After that session, her classmates started treating her with more kindness and support. The school staff also noticed a change. Students became more cooperative and less afraid to ask for help. Some teachers asked for more training in inclusive methods. Parents showed interest and started conversations about stereotypes at home. The local municipality invited the Creative Youth Academy team to present the project during a youth inclusion conference, and this helped gain visibility and support.
The project did not stop after the first round of workshops. It grew into a wider initiative. A group of young participants created a podcast where they talked about stereotypes and wellness in their own words. Others wrote stories and poems, which were collected in a small publication shared with local schools. One school introduced a weekly “Open Hour” where students could talk freely with a youth worker. The Creative Youth Academy began training more facilitators so that the “One of Us” project could continue in other cities. What began as an idea from a training week in Sicily became a growing movement of youth-led inclusion in Hungary.
Thanks to the experience in Cefalù, the youth worker learned that real change does not need to be loud. It can start with one circle, one honest story, or one group of young people who choose to be kind. The training helped them believe that youth workers can make a difference, even when the environment is difficult. It also reminded them that wellness is not only about mental health—it is about feeling seen, respected, and accepted. The project helped break the silence around identity and stereotypes in many schools and gave young people the tools to speak their truth.
Looking into the future, Creative Youth Academy Hungary plans to build a national network for youth inclusion, linking schools, NGOs, and municipalities that want to promote diversity and well-being. They are also working on a toolkit, based on the “One of Us” project, with simple and practical activities for youth workers and educators. They hope to include youth voices in future local policy discussions and to bring the message of the Erasmus+ training to more communities.
Young people in Hungary are full of creativity, courage, and potential. But they need to know that they are valued, just as they are. The training in Sicily gave the tools, but the real power comes from the young people who choose to step forward and support each other. Their actions are quiet but strong. They are changing how schools look, how youth centers feel, and how their future can be shaped—with care, respect, and courage.
The journey toward wellness beyond stereotypes is not finished. But it has clearly begun. In small towns, city schools, and community spaces, young people in Hungary are starting to see each other—and themselves—with new eyes. And that, in the end, is what real inclusion is all about.