On the move

In the quaint town of Balatonszemes, Hungary, just a few meters from shores of Lake Balaton—known as the “Hungarian Sea”—56 energetic and enthusiastic young people came together from Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Czechia, Lithuania and Portugal, united by a shared purpose: learning more about mental and physical well-being. This gathering wasn’t just about gaining and perfecting knowledge, but about experiencing it—through presentations, games, hands-on demonstrations, and heartfelt discussions.

The first few days focused on fostering unity, breaking the ice through engaging activities that encouraged movement and conversation. Everyone shared fun facts about their lives, speaking about their passions and dreams and getting out of their comfort zone. By the end of the second day, the atmosphere was full of excitement to connect, explore, and, most importantly, to learn. The bond they formed was like a sturdy bridge—solid, welcoming, and ready to support every step forward.

With the foundations of friendship laid, the days that followed were filled with shared knowledge and a collective passion for physical activity. The participants delved into debate sessions, presentations, and games, each contributing to a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences.

In the middle of the exchange, a sports tournament unfolded, where participants teamed up for friendly matches of volleyball, basketball, football, or table tennis. Here, competition took a backseat to camaraderie. They cheered for one another, celebrated every small triumph—whether or not it belonged to their team—and let their shared enthusiasm carry them forward. The sports field seemed to come alive, it was the heart of the otherwise quiet town, the collective joy of the participants had breathed new life into it.

After the high-energy tournament, the group found balance through a peaceful yoga session. Guided by a calm voice and relaxing music, they stretched their tired bodies and embraced the tranquility, using meditation to reflect and unwind. It was a serene contrast to the liveliness of the games, reminding everyone of the importance of finding equilibrium.

During the vibrant cultural nights, participants from across Europe shared their rich heritage, creating an unforgettable exchange of traditions. They brought traditional food from home, letting everyone taste the flavors of their countries, while sharing fascinating stories and fun facts. The energy truly came alive as everybody engaged in traditional dances, filling the room with enthusiastic movement. These nights were more than just cultural showcases—they were heartfelt celebrations of diversity, uniting everyone through food, dance and shared joy.

The project felt like it lasted forever, yet ended all too soon. So much had happened in such a short time, and still, they longed for more moments together. As the mobility came to a close, tears filled many eyes. In those final moments, heartfelt hugs were exchanged, and the air was filled with promises to meet again, echoing through the soon-to-be quiet accommodation.

Rin

“This project was truly remarkable! It combined creativity, innovation and movement in a way that left a lasting positive impression. I am grateful to have had the opportunity of meeting old and beloved friends from past projects and to forge new international connections!”

Lexi

“The On the Move project was a unique and valuable experience, offering me the chance to communicate and interact with people from different countries. I had the opportunity to learn many important things about physical and mental health, which helped me adopt a more balanced lifestyle. The activities were well-structured and engaging, and the volunteers were extremely organized and supportive. Additionally, the location was absolutely stunning, providing the perfect setting for this educational and intercultural connection project.”

Bianca

“This project meant the world to me, it helped me improve myself in ways that I didn’t even know existed. I’ve made a lot of awesome friendships, learnt more about the interesting theme and had so much fun on top of everything. I would always recommend and most definitely want to participate again.”