In August 2023, a group of youth workers from across Europe gathered in Barcelos, Portugal, for a meaningful Erasmus+ training course called “From NEET to Compete – A Holistic Approach to Youth Employability.” The training focused on helping youth workers support young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training—commonly known as NEET. These young people often face challenges that make it difficult for them to build a future. The goal of the project was to explore new methods, share experiences, and learn practical strategies to help NEET youth reconnect with society and the labor market. The training included physical activities, discussions, and international cooperation, which made the experience both educational and inspiring. It showed how a holistic approach—one that combines social, psychological, and physical tools—can bring real change in youth work.
For the participants from Hungary, especially those from Creative Youth Academy Hungary, the timing of the project was very important. In May 2023, the situation in several Hungarian towns and villages was worrying. Many young people were leaving school early or had difficulty finding jobs. In smaller communities, there were few opportunities for training or employment. Some youth were facing poverty, while others struggled with anxiety, depression, or a lack of purpose. After the long period of isolation caused by COVID-19, their motivation was very low. In addition, digital tools and online resources were not always accessible to those in rural areas. These problems were even worse for young people from Roma backgrounds or those growing up in families with limited income. Youth workers in Hungary were doing their best, but they often felt their work was not enough. They were looking for something different—something more effective and more human.
The training course in Portugal brought new hope and new methods. The Hungarian participants found the experience very eye-opening. One of the first things they noticed was how the program didn’t focus only on finding a job or going back to school. It looked at the full picture of a young person’s life. The course taught that before helping a young person write a CV, it is important to help them believe in themselves. This was a strong message. Many of the workshops focused on personal growth, mental well-being, and communication. The trainers explained that employability is not only about hard skills, but also about self-confidence, teamwork, and the ability to solve problems. This holistic idea changed the way the participants thought about youth work.
Another inspiring part of the training was the use of sport and physical activity. In Hungary, sport is often seen only as a competition or for health. But in Portugal, it was used as a method for building trust, connection, and motivation. The group activities showed how movement can help young people feel strong, included, and open. The Hungarian team saw how physical challenges created emotional growth. They also participated in local visits, where they saw how Portuguese organizations used sport and experiential learning to support young people who were disconnected. These local examples showed that even small actions—if done with care—can create big results. Sharing stories and best practices with youth workers from other countries helped the Hungarian team see that they were not alone. Many of the problems in Hungary were similar to those in other places. But new ideas and different methods brought a sense of hope.
After returning to Hungary, the team from Creative Youth Academy Hungary felt inspired to make changes. They decided to design a local youth empowerment program in the town of Miskolc, where many NEET youth live. The program was based on what they had learned in Portugal. It included weekly physical sessions such as team games, outdoor movement, and confidence-building challenges. These were combined with group discussions about goals, emotions, and future plans. At the same time, the youth received mentoring on how to identify their strengths, how to prepare for job interviews, and how to explore educational opportunities. The activities were fun and active, but also deep and reflective. Everything was planned to create a safe space for youth to grow, feel valued, and take steps forward.
The response was powerful. Some of the young people had never taken part in any group before. They were shy and unsure. But after a few weeks, they began to change. One boy who had dropped out of school said the program helped him believe he could try again. A girl who never spoke during the first session became one of the most active participants by the end. Parents noticed changes too. They said their children were more positive and willing to try new things. The community also became more interested in what was happening. Local leaders visited the sessions and asked how they could support the project. Even schools and other NGOs in the area asked for the method so they could use it with their youth. Slowly, the project became more than just an idea—it became a model for other places.
This success showed that the Erasmus+ training had a real and lasting effect. What the Hungarian participants learned in Portugal did not stay in Portugal. It became part of their work, their thinking, and their actions. The experience proved that international learning is not only about travel—it is about transformation. It gave them tools, motivation, and a wider view of youth work. Most importantly, it gave them the courage to try something new and believe in the change.
Looking to the future, the team from Creative Youth Academy Hungary sees youth empowerment as the most important part of building strong communities. NEET youth are often treated as a problem, but they are full of potential. They need people who see them, believe in them, and walk with them. Youth workers have the power to guide this journey. With the right tools, like those shared in the Barcelos training, this guidance becomes more effective and more human. Change does not happen overnight, but it starts with each small step. In the long term, projects like this one show that when youth feel strong, respected, and included, they are ready to build better futures—for themselves and for society.