Hidak Ifjúsági Alapítvány, based in Hungary

Hidak Ifjúsági Alapítvány, based in Hungary, is a youth foundation with the aim to support young people dealing with the challenges of the 21st century and to help them spend the early stages of their adult lives actively and productively to build up their successful future and to become active citizens, create value and contribute to social development. We pay special attention to social diversity and intercultural dialogue for peaceful societies; sustainable lifestyle and environmental awareness; and the future of (digital) learning and educational innovation. We aim to develop transformative competencies through supporting social entrepreneurship, international mobility and volunteerism, organising non-formal education events, and provide young adult career counselling service. We strongly believe that international mobility is beneficial not only for individuals but make a significant impact on society by reducing racism, prejudices, having more competent and motivated young people. Another important aim of our Foundation is to create the tradition of discovering, nurturing and preserving values among young adults which is a challenge in our rapidly changing world. We believe that social and environmental responsibility, equity and inclusion, effective self-expression and understanding, self-confidence and resilience, mental and physical wellbeing, active citizenship, etc. are not only values, but form a set of competences. Our Foundation aims to support young adults in developing transversal (inter-professional) skills, flexibility and initiative at an early stage of their careers, thus contributing to their future success as employees or entrepreneurs and encourage them to be active citizens and take part in democratic life. The members of the organization have different professional background (social studies, learning and development, tourism management) and participation and/or work experience with EU programs like Erasmus+ KA1 and KA2, EU Aid Volunteers, GLEN, ESC (former EVS) and Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs. Our professional background covers adult education management, career counselling, sociology, social and educational policy, youth work and research & development. Each member of the Youth Bridges Budapest have experience in international volunteerism. The main target group of our organisation is young adults including people with fewer opportunities (especially youth from underdeveloped regions and unemployed youngsters). Our organization has a widening network in Hungary. We are in connection with faculties from two universities (Eötvös Loránd University and University of Szeged). Our local volunteers and youth workers also have a great professional network and we are active in social media too: we have our own Facebook group with more than 550 active members.