Opportunities for young people with fewer opportunities to develop independence, adaptability and confident language use
Beyond Tiszalúc
Awarded Institution: Bakcsó Természetjáró, Természetvédő, Kulturális és Szabadidősport Egyesület (Bakcsó Association for Hiking, Nature Protection, Culture, and Recreational Sports)
Project Title: Discover the World! – Learning Opportunity for Young People with Fewer Opportunities from Tiszalúc
2025 was the first time a DiscoverEU Inclusion Action project (that was launched in the Erasmus+ programme framework in 2022) was recognized with a Nívódíj (Excellence Award).
DiscoverEU Inclusion Action allows young people with fewer opportunities aged 18–21 to travel across Europe - something they would not be able to do on their own. The Bakcsó Association organized several DiscoverEU trips with the help of this Action, always placing a great emphasis on using non-formal methods to develop the participants’ skills, while also aiming to foster their long-term engagement.
We spoke with Imre Hegedűs, project manager at the association, about the award-winning project.
What motivated you to implement this project?
One of our main goals was to provide young people from Tiszalúc with the opportunity to get to know other European countries and cultures. It was also important to us to improve their language skills and organizational abilities through each different phase of the project period.
Tell us about the activities you implemented!
We carried out two ten-day trips. A key aspect was that the youth planned the itineraries themselves - they chose where to go, what to see, and how to explore. We also made sure to raise environmental awareness and supported the development of active citizenship skills during these projects. Participants got to learn about the workings of the European Union in Brussels and gained insight into other countries’ systems of governance as well.
It was also an important goal for us to involve our participants in the organization’s other activities - helping them overcome internal barriers that might prevent them from taking part in youth exchanges or volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps after their DiscoverEU experience.
What was the most memorable moment for the young participants?
During our visit to Poland, we witnessed locals dressed in red and white, singing national songs to celebrate their Independence Day. For one of our travellers, Zoli, this was a powerful display of national unity. Another participant, Zsombi, said the best part was spending time with old and new friends on a meaningful journey that left them all with unforgettable memories.
What was a defining moment for the organization?
From an organizational perspective, our most memorable experiences are related to unexpected challenges during the trip. For example, due to train delays, we couldn’t check in to our accommodation and had to find a new place late at night. Another time, after a museum visit, we unexpectedly found ourselves in the middle of a 15,000-person demonstration and had to ensure the group’s safety. These experiences have only become more valuable over time and taught us important lessons that went on to strengthen the organization.
What were some of the outcomes of the project? Tell us about a few areas of personal growth for the participants!
Through this inclusion-focused project, these young people had the chance to experience new cultures - some had never left Hungary before or had only been abroad via the "Határtalanul" (tr. “Without Borders/Borderless”) program to Hungarian-speaking regions in nearby countries.
They developed many practical skills with the help of their DiscoverEU experience. Participants often highlighted how meaningful it was to learn to navigate big cities and confidently use public transport abroad. One of the greatest takeaways was that they realized their English didn’t need to be perfect to be useful. Their first-hand experiences taught them that even people from other countries often speak it imperfectly - and they could still communicate effectively.
| Overall, the project’s biggest success was that it gave young people with fewer opportunities valuable experiences and tangibly developed their competencies. They gained not only knowledge, but also the confidence that they can achieve anything - if they want it and believe in themselves. |
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What was the biggest organizational achievement?
The biggest result was that after returning home, young participants remained involved in our work. Some help at events, others support us with their ideas and feedback. They’ve essentially become a local focus group - which is incredibly valuable to us.
During the preparatory, travel, and reflection periods of the project, we used a variety of non-formal learning methods, many of which we now apply in other Erasmus+ programs too. Our staff also significantly improved their problem-solving and language skills.
One of the most touching moments was when participants sincerely thanked us for the opportunity. They said the journey gave them new experiences and friendships - that’s the greatest reward for us.
How have the project’s results been incorporated into the lives of the young people and the association?
Since our return home from the trip, we’ve had many follow-up conversations with participants. One of them said they now feel confident enough to travel abroad on their own. Another used their DiscoverEU experience to successfully apply for an Erasmus+ short-term vocational mobility program - and successfully completed it in Ireland.
| As mentors, accompanying the youths was also a powerful experience for us. Even though we know them well and work closely with them, they continue to surprise us with feedback and insights that shape how we think about the organization’s future and how to better reach and serve the needs of young people. |
How has the project changed the relationship between the association and the Tiszalúc community?
Thanks to the project’s success, we were able to involve more local youths in our activities. Previously, it was difficult to reach 16–18-year-olds attending high school outside the village, who often didn’t know our organization. This program helped us engage them, and since then, our DiscoverEU inclusion projects have become well-known and anticipated events in the local community—helping us expand our reach.
What are you most proud of?
During DiscoverEU and other international mobility projects, participants gain numerous competencies - communication, independence, adaptability, language use - which they can apply in school, the workplace, and everyday life. We’re proud that we could offer such meaningful support to young people with fewer opportunities - support that their peers in similar communities often don’t have, simply because there’s no local organization or professional to manage such initiatives there.
In summary, we are proud that our project made a real contribution to the personal growth of these young people.
Who else, beyond the target group, can benefit from the project?
The project is also valuable to other local youths who learn from their peers’ experiences. Its impact goes beyond the individual: returning participants actively contribute to organizing our programs, which in turn helps strengthen the community in Tiszalúc. They even incorporated best practices they saw abroad into daily life and local events, which enriches the communal experience.
How did you communicate the project and its results?
We prioritized widespread visibility. During the trips, we posted regular updates - where we were, what we did, and what we saw. Participants shared daily stories on our social media, and every two days, we posted more detailed updates. After returning, we published a comprehensive summary post.
- Since 2023, we’ve hosted the Tiszalúc Youth Innovation Forum annually as part of our ErasmusDays events. There, participants share their experiences via roundtable talks with other youth and youth workers from the region.
- We also involved participants in promoting subsequent trips - they made short videos to raise awareness of new opportunities.
- Our staff also presented the great effects and benefits of DiscoverEU Inclusion Action at several conferences. These efforts were successful: in 2024, a new organization submitted its first DiscoverEU inclusion proposal thanks to our encouragement.
What does winning the Nívódíj mean to you?
It’s still almost unbelievable that our organization received such prestigious recognition. The award is a high-level validation of our work and motivates us to work even harder—with more programs—for young people with fewer opportunities in rural communities.
Photos: Bakcsó Természetjáró, Természetvédő, Kulturális és Szabadidősport Egyesület
Introducing the 2025 Erasmus+ Nívódíj (Excellence Award) Award-winning projects!
Last modified: 30-06-2025
