We held a civil training weekend in Debrecen

Alongside the professional programmes, we also placed emphasis on shared experiences. Participants visited the Csokonai National Theatre, where actor Zsolt Csata gave them a behind-the-scenes look and a closer insight into one of the defining institutions of Debrecen’s cultural life. The visit was a special experience and also offered an opportunity for informal conversations and for further strengthening personal connections.

Over the three days of the Debrecen training weekend, participants gained new professional knowledge, practical ideas and valuable connections. Getting to know local good practices and the international exchange of experience helped the organisations gain new perspectives on involving, supporting and motivating volunteers. The aim of the “Together for Stronger Volunteering” project is to strengthen cooperation between civil society organisations and to support the development of volunteering. The meeting in Debrecen was an important milestone in this joint work, and it once again proved that sharing experiences, learning from each other and cross-border connections can all help civil society organisations support volunteers and local communities even more effectively.

From 2 to 4 October, Debrecen hosted the civil training weekend of the “Together for Stronger Volunteering” project. Participants came to the three-day programme from Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, with each of the three partner countries represented by a six-member delegation. The aim of the meeting was for representatives of civil society organisations to share their experiences with the participants, get to know local good practices, and think together about ways to strengthen volunteering.

Volunteers play a key role in the work of civil society organisations: their efforts contribute to delivering community programmes, to the success of local initiatives and to young people’s active participation in society. However, for volunteering to be sustainable in the long term and valuable for both sides, proper preparation, continuous support and maintaining motivation are essential. These questions also received special attention during the training weekend in Debrecen.

About the training weekend: After arrival on Friday, the programme began with a festive opening that gave participants the opportunity to get to know each other and lay the foundations for working together. Participants from different countries learned about each other’s activities, and the exchange of experience could begin right at the start of the weekend. Although civil society organisations operate in different environments, they face many similar challenges, so it is especially valuable when they can learn from each other’s proven methods and experiences.

Saturday’s professional programme focused on presenting civil and youth life in Debrecen. Leaders and representatives of local organisations shared their experiences of how volunteers can be effectively involved in the everyday work of organisations, how their development can be supported, and what opportunities can help their long-term commitment. Imre Enyedi, youth officer of Debrecen and, from this year, director of the DEMKI community house, also shared his experiences of local initiatives and partnerships. János Bálega gave a presentation on local good practices on behalf of the KÖZ-Pont Youth Association, introducing how the youth sector in Debrecen works and the opportunities for involving young people. The presentations highlighted that, alongside civil society organisations, local institutions and community spaces also play an important role in strengthening young people’s community participation. The programme also focused on the link between sport and volunteering. Katalin Vaga, technical director of a DEAC section and lecturer at the Institute of Sport Science of the University of Debrecen, spoke about volunteering opportunities in sport, with particular attention to basketball and gaining international experience. Sport is an environment in which young people can develop not only through shared community experiences but also in teamwork, responsibility and organisational skills. The presentation also showed that volunteering offers opportunities to get involved in many fields, so everyone can find an activity that matches their interests.

In the afternoon workshops, participants were able to build on their own experiences. They analysed specific cases, looked for possible solutions and gathered ideas they can put to use in the work of their own organisations.

During the programme, participants also visited the Bakcsó Club, a great example of how young people can shape their own community’s environment through volunteering. Young people’s active participation played a key role in creating the community space and the garden, showing that volunteering can bring tangible change to the life of a community.

Imre Hegedűs, our managing director and the project coordinator, held a separate workshop on motivating volunteers and the experiences gained through volunteering. The joint reflection focused on how organisations can create a supportive environment in which volunteers feel their work is valued, can develop, and are happy to stay involved in community life in the long term.

© 2025. All rights reserved.

2024-1-HU01-KA220-SCH-000256403