From 16 to 22 March, Komárno hosted the FAITH Exchange Erasmus+ Youth Exchange, with several young people from the Bakcsó Hiking, Nature Conservation, Cultural and Recreational Sports Association taking part. The programme brought together young people from Hungary, Slovakia and Transylvania to explore religious and cultural diversity, identity, acceptance and the importance of communities.
Throughout the project, participants explored these topics through non-formal learning methods. Small-group discussions, debates, interactive activities, cultural programmes and reflection sessions provided opportunities to discover different perspectives and learn more about each other’s backgrounds. Particular attention was given to the relationship between religion and personal identity, the social role of different religious communities, and recognising and challenging religious and cultural stereotypes.
One of the most valuable aspects of the exchange was that although the participants shared a common language, they came from different countries, settlements, communities and denominational backgrounds. This created an opportunity for young people to discover both their similarities and their differences through personal encounters and shared experiences.
One of our participants, Levente, described his experience of the week in Komárno:
“This week was completely different from anything I had experienced before. Although we all spoke Hungarian, I still learned so many new things about each other – about language, the way we think, and also about how faith is experienced in different communities.
It was particularly interesting to see how the same fundamental values can be experienced and expressed in very different ways. The perspectives of the Unitarian and Reformed young people helped me see many things in a completely new light.
We did not just talk – we debated, reflected and worked together. These situations helped me become more open-minded and better understand other people’s perspectives.
What stayed with me the most was the strength of the Transylvanian communities. Young people coming from a small village showed a level of solidarity that you rarely see. It made me think about how important the role of community is in our everyday lives.
This week was not only an experience – it also shaped me. I feel that I have become more open-minded, accepting and aware.”
In addition to personal conversations, participants had the opportunity to share good practices from their own communities, discuss social responsibility and develop ideas that could help strengthen acceptance and dialogue in their local environments.
Daily reflection sessions and the Youthpass process helped participants recognise and document their own learning and development. The exchange therefore provided much more than new knowledge: it also contributed to the development of communication, cooperation, critical thinking and intercultural competences.
The FAITH Exchange was implemented through the cooperation of three organisations: the Reformed Christian Church Congregation of Žihárec, the Unitarian Church Congregation of Mihăileni, and the Bakcsó Hiking, Nature Conservation, Cultural and Recreational Sports Association.
We are proud that our young people can take part in programmes like this, where they can discover new communities, share their own experiences and return home with knowledge and memories that continue to influence their thinking and involvement in their communities long after the programme has ended.
Downloadable Publications
Participating organisations (original names): Zsigárdi Református Keresztény Egyházközség; Székelyszentmihályi Unitárius Egyházközség; Bakcsó Természetjáró, Természetvédő, Kulturális és Szabadidősport Egyesület.