TANDEM, n.o. - Consciously for quality life!

Élményből tanulni – a Forrás Konferenciától a Kossuth Rádióig

mm — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:40:01 +0000

Learning Through Experience – From the Source Conference to Radio Kossuth mm 2026. 10. 15

2026. 10. 15

Learning Through Experience – From the Source Conference to Radio Kossuth

Hiking in the forest, sleeping outdoors, cooking over an open fire – experiences that not only create lasting memories but can also serve as powerful tools for learning, self-discovery and community building. These were among the topics explored at this year's Source Conference, where TANDEM professionals Kriszta Molnár and Mária Borvák also facilitated a workshop.

The conference, held in September, also served as a dissemination event for our recently completed ReConnection project, implemented in partnership with Élményakadémia. The event focused on the well-being of young people, the challenges faced by professionals working with youth, and the opportunities offered by experiential education and experiential learning – with particular emphasis on supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The conference also attracted the attention of Radio Kossuth! The radio feature covering the event included contributions from Kriszta Molnár, András Csapi, Executive Director of Élményakadémia, Ádám Horváth Kovács, Executive Director of Outward Bound Romania, and Péter Szőke, a trainer at Élményakadémia.

How can shared experiences become tools for personal growth and learning? What opportunities does experiential education offer when working with young people?

Listen to the Radio Kossuth feature!

Click here to listen to the interview:

https://mediaklikk.hu/audio/kossuth-radio/2026/10/12/11-30/vendeg-a-haz…

Project Title: ReConnection –
Connections, integration and future planning for youth with fewer opportunities
Project Identification Number: 2024-1-SK02-KA210-YOU-000247398

This project was supported by the European Union.

Partners:

ReConnection

Amit együtt tanultunk, azt továbbvisszük - lezárult a ReConnection projekt

mm — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:44:25 +0000

What We Learned Together, We Carry Forward – The ReConnection Project Has Come to an End mm 2026. 09. 30

2026. 09. 30

Career guidance

What We Learned Together, We Carry Forward – The ReConnection Project Has Come to an End

In September, our ReConnection project, carried out in partnership with Élményakadémia (HU), came to an end. Throughout the project, we went through an enriching process of shared learning and professional growth, reflecting on and reshaping our approaches as professionals and trainers. Trainers and other professionals from both organisations also took part in two experience-filled retreats together.

The project also brought valuable new perspectives, activities, and methodological approaches to our programme called "Messzelátó", which we have integrated into our work with young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

We are deeply grateful for this collaboration and for the many meaningful connections the project has brought into our lives.

We invite you to listen to a conversation between Gyöngyösi Krisztina – Gigi and Molnár Kriszta, in which they reflect on the project's outcomes while also exploring a range of important professional dilemmas and fundamental questions about life and the human experience.

Project Title: ReConnection –
Connections, integration and future planning for youth with fewer opportunities
Project Identification Number: 2024-1-SK02-KA210-YOU-000247398

This project is supported by the European Union.

Partners:

ReConnection

Megjelent a ReConnection módszertani kézikönyv

mm — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:17:03 +0000

The ReConnection Methodological Handbook IS OUT! mm 2026. 09. 29

2026. 09. 29

Career guidance

The ReConnection Methodological Handbook IS OUT!

We are happy to share one of the key professional outputs of the ReConnection project: the methodological handbook, developed through the joint work of Élményakadémia Közhasznú Egyesület and TANDEM.

The handbook brings together several years of experience, shared reflection and lessons learned through fieldwork. It builds on training programmes, group processes and community-based situations in which we worked with young people from vulnerable backgrounds. Its central question is how to create safe and supportive environments where young people can genuinely connect, learn and grow.

The publication is primarily intended for trainers, teachers, youth workers and helping professionals. It combines professional background with practical tools and explores topics such as safe connection, experiential learning, trauma-sensitive approaches, group dynamics and the role of the facilitator.

The second part of the handbook includes concrete games, outdoor and experiential learning activities, together with ideas for reflection and processing. A new feature is that several activities are also accompanied by video tutorials, making it possible not only to read about the methods, but also to see how they work in practice.

As the ReConnection project approaches its conclusion, we are especially glad that it has resulted in a professional resource that can continue to be useful beyond the lifetime of the project, offering support, inspiration and practical ideas to those working with young people.

We warmly recommend it to everyone who believes that development is built not only on knowledge, but also on safety, connection and supportive community experiences.

The METHODOLOGICAL HANDBOOK for trainers and youth workers is available at the following links in English, Hungarian and Slovak:

Methodological handbook (EN)
Methodological handbook (HU)
Methodological handbook (SK)

ReConnection

Mi is ott voltunk a Forrás Élménypedagógiai Konferencián!

mm — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:32:58 +0000

We Were There Too – at the Source Conference! mm 2026. 09. 14

2026. 09. 14

Special trainings

We Were There Too – at the Source Conference!

TANDEM professionals Kriszta Molnár and Mária Borvák attended this year's Source Conference, where they also facilitated a workshop.

The conference also served as a dissemination event for the ReConnection project.

The Source Conference provides a space for professionals working with young people to come together, connect, find inspiration, recharge and develop professionally through experiential education. Together, they explore how to offer meaningful support in today's rapidly changing world. At the heart of the conference is the well-being of young people: how they are doing, what challenges they face, and who is there to support them – particularly those in vulnerable situations.

Molnár Kriszta shares her reflections on the conference:

“Since TANDEM began collaborating with the Élményakadémia Association, significant changes have taken place in the work of both organisations. Labyrinths have become increasingly common in Élményakadémia's programmes, while we at TANDEM have become much more confident in using outdoor education tools, such as low ropes course elements. Even more importantly, we have developed a much deeper understanding of the experiences of vulnerable young people with backgrounds marked by trauma, and we are now better equipped to create environments that support their learning.

On 11–12 September, Mária Borvák and I represented the TANDEM team in Hatvan, Hungary. Through a labyrinth-walking workshop, we demonstrated the possibilities offered by this magical tool – including how it can help us, as professionals in helping roles, work on our inner stability and explore our professional identity.

It was a wonderful experience to be part of such a welcoming and accepting environment. As many others also expressed, we truly enjoyed being surrounded by like-minded trainers, youth workers, educators and psychologists who understood one another so well.

We had never built a labyrinth out of hay before, but this time the material was available, so we covered our already constructed labyrinth of branches with a soft, gentle layer of hay. This made it both more inviting and more visible.

We had the opportunity to guide participants from a wonderfully international group through the entrance of the labyrinth. It was truly uplifting to witness how deeply they were touched by the experience, to see their reactions and their openness.

Of course, we also learned a great deal as participants ourselves – about trauma-sensitive approaches, the opportunities offered by movement, music and creative activities, and the relationship between learning and stress.

We are delighted by all the new connections we made and deeply grateful to the organisers for their dedication and hard work.”

Project Title: ReConnection –
Connections, integration and future planning for youth with fewer opportunities
Project Identification Number: 2024-1-SK02-KA210-YOU-000247398

This project is supported by the European Union.

Partners:

Élménypedagógia

Adtunk és kaptunk – Messzelátó 2026: ilyen volt a záró hétvége

mm — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:05:52 +0000

ReConnection project - The final Youth Weekend Workshop – JUNE 2026 mm 2026. 07. 21

2026. 07. 21

Career guidance

ReConnection project - The final Youth Weekend Workshop – JUNE 2026

A period has come to an end, at the close of which not only the young participants, but also we ourselves returned home with countless experiences, realizations, and questions that continue to evolve within us. We gave and we received. Perhaps these words best describe the sense of mutuality that accompanied us throughout the months of the Messzelátó ("See Further") 2026 programme. The final weekend was a fitting conclusion to this journey, filled with moments that will stay with us for a long time.

From the very beginning of the programme, we wanted the participants to be able to discover themselves in a safe environment, connect with one another, and look towards their own futures with greater courage. The final weekend once again showed us how many different ways there are to grow. We witnessed small yet significant steps in cooperation, attentiveness towards one another, and open communication.

One of the special parts of the weekend was a series of conversations held separately in men’s and women’s circles. Guided by our trainers, these sessions gave the young people another opportunity to connect with one another and with themselves.

This individual work was complemented by low-rope outdoor activities, which offered both play and challenge. The participants were able to test their own boundaries and experience what it feels like to trust themselves, rely on their peers, ask for help, or take responsibility for someone else. The activities reminded us time and again that trust is not something that can be taken for granted. It is a relationship built together, born from honest communication, attentiveness, and courage.

As part of the ceremonial closing of the weekend, certificates were presented to everyone who had completed this journey with commitment. This time, however, the certificates represented much more than the successful completion of a programme. They symbolized a process experienced together, the work invested, the steps taken beyond comfort zones, the laughter, the tears, and the growth.

This training programme once again confirmed for us that the most important changes often happen quietly: in a sentence spoken aloud, a courageous step, an accepting look, or a moment when someone dares to believe for the first time that they are capable.

We trust that everything we experienced together did not end with this weekend, but will continue to live on in everyday life, in decisions, in relationships, and in the communities the participants will go on to build. The training has come to an end, but we believe that the experiences and human connections formed here will continue to illuminate their paths for a long time to come.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful realization of this weekend!

The venue was provided by Vila Bela in Banská Belá (Slovakia).

This training programme was implemented with the support of the European Union within the framework of the ReConnection project.

Project Title: ReConnection – Connections, integration and future planning for youth with fewer opportunities
Project Identification Number: 2024-1-SK02-KA210-YOU-000247398

This article was written by Viktória Zsoldos.

messzelátó

Hátrányos helyzetű

önismeret

személyiségfejlesztés

pályaorientáció

Ilyen volt a 2026-os Messzelátó 3. hétvégéje

mm — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:44:49 +0000

ReConnection project - The 3rd Youth Weekend Workshop – MAY 2026 mm 2026. 06. 04

2026. 06. 04

Career guidance

ReConnection project - The 3rd Youth Weekend Workshop – MAY 2026

"Facing ourselves can sometimes be difficult…"

The third weekend of the 2026 “Rozhľad” (Messzelátó) training programme has also taken place, and we worked with increasing focus to move forward together with the young participants. This weekend focused on different forms of taking responsibility, the quality and quantity of communication, the importance of cooperation, and the power of community participation.

The various group activities and games aimed to strengthen the participants’ understanding of what it means to act responsibly as a member of a community, to participate purposefully in tasks, and to strive to meet not only shared goals but also the goals we set for ourselves.

During the weekend, great emphasis was also placed on giving the young people an opportunity to experience what it is like to think together, cooperate with others, listen to one another’s opinions, and search for solutions together.

Our trainers made use of every indoor space and the beautiful, spacious courtyard of the venue – Chata Hámor in Kokava (Slovakia) – and prepared a wide range of engaging activities for the young people. Some of them required a greater level of presence and attention, while others allowed laughter and shared smiles to help us connect a little more easily with ourselves and with one another.

Throughout the shared activities, we saw time and again how much trust and attentiveness toward one another matter, as well as the courage to ask for help or offer it to someone else.

We witnessed many beautiful moments during this weekend. At the same time, the young people also experienced how difficult and challenging it can sometimes be to face ourselves.

We are deeply grateful to the young participants for their perseverance, attention, and all the energy they invested. We look forward to our next meeting, which will also be the final, closing weekend.

We would like to thank the team of Chata Hámor for providing such wonderful conditions, our volunteers for their support, and our trainers for the tireless work and energy they put into these weekends time and again.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this weekend possible!

The Messzelátó training programme was implemented with the support of the European Union within the framework of the ReConnection project.

Project Title: ReConnection – Connections, integration and future planning for youth with fewer opportunities
Project Identification Number: 2024-1-SK02-KA210-YOU-000247398

This article was written by Viktória Zsoldos.

messzelátó

Hátrányos helyzetű

önismeret

személyiségfejlesztés

pályaorientáció

Elültetjük magunkat… - Megvalósult a 2026-os Messzelátó 2. hétvégéje

mm — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:30:19 +0000

ReConnection project - The 2nd Youth Weekend Workshop – APRIL 2026 mm 2026. 04. 30

2026. 04. 30

Career guidance

ReConnection project - The 2nd Youth Weekend Workshop – APRIL 2026

Four weeks flew by since the March weekend workshop, and once again we found ourselves in the beautiful region of Gemer (SK). Just like the young participants, we as trainers, volunteers, and the whole team of TANDEM eagerly awaited the opportunity to continue creating meaningful experiences and spaces for growth and learning, where young people - stepping away from their disadvantaged social environments - could recharge and enrich themselves with new experiences.

We started Friday full of enthusiasm, and I can already reveal that we finished the weekend on Sunday with just as much energy and inspiration.

This weekend, not only the weather and nature reflected the true arrival of spring and warmer days - we did too. Together with the young participants, we were able to connect with one another, and with the events happening around and within us, in a much more open and blossoming way. This time, the venue was Chata Hámor in Kokava nad Rimavicou (SK), whose spacious yard and community spaces allowed the weekend’s activities and opportunities for connection to become even richer.

On Friday, we reflected on the previous weekend and everything that had happened since then, giving us the chance to truly arrive mentally and emotionally. Some participants joined us for the first time, and we warmly welcomed them, doing our best to involve them in the shared experiences and the life of the group. Already on the very first day, participants encountered playful yet challenging tasks, which became meaningful goals to work toward throughout the rest of the weekend.

While the trainers spent the evening coordinating and preparing for the following days, a huge group hide-and-seek game unfolded outside in the yard. I believe it made the first evening of arrival even more enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

On Saturday, we focused more specifically on professions, the world of work, and how young people relate to these topics and see themselves within them. Through playful group activities, we explored together what kinds of skills, attitudes, and qualities are needed in different jobs and roles.

Throughout the day, we worked with experiential, non-formal educational methods: interactive exercises, small-group discussions, and various situational tasks helped participants understand through their own experiences the importance of their decisions, attitudes, and perseverance in everyday life.

The life stories they encountered during the program were especially impactful. These stories created opportunities for identification and for discovering new perspectives. Some participants may have drawn strength and inspiration from them - encouragement to face their own paths and to find the inner resources needed to “surf” the waves of life more courageously.

During the shared activities, the young people had several opportunities to test themselves in different situations: they experienced what it means to take responsibility as part of a team, to think together, make decisions, and carry tasks through to completion. It became increasingly visible that they dared to speak up, ask questions, and actively participate in the process.

Not only the shared tasks, but also the more personal moments played an important role throughout the program. There was space for participants to get to know themselves better and to become more open toward one another. Encouraging feedback and shared games helped strengthen trust and gradually transform the group into a real community.

We would like to thank the young participants for the honesty, presence, and dedication they brought into the shared work. We are already looking forward to continuing the journey and to everything the next occasion will bring.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who contributed to making this weekend possible and successful!

The training was implemented with the support of the European Union.

More information about the related ReConnection project can be found by clicking here.

This article was written by Viktória Zsoldos.

Messzelátó 2026 - Megvalósult az 1. hétvége

mm — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:42:11 +0000

ReConnection project - The First Youth Weekend Workshop Took Place mm 2026. 03. 27

2026. 03. 27

Career guidance

ReConnection project - The First Youth Weekend Workshop Took Place

„Seeing further, being seen”

We had scarcely let go of the memories of the last occasion of 2025's training for young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, when our 2026 training series within the framework of the ReConnection project had already begun. This time, young people from the villages in the hills around Gemer (SK) were in the spotlight, who came to us because of their socially disadvantaged backgrounds (including participants from children’s homes) in order not only to be seen, but to see further over time by attending these weekends.

We traveled up to Kokava nad Rimavicou (SK) to meet them personally and to create a safe and accepting environment where they can feel at ease. The high level of interest was a great source of joy for us; however, we had to make a difficult decision: due to the large number of applicants – after consulting with teachers – we had to limit the number of participants to 21 people.

At the beginning of Saturday, getting to know one another still played the central role, which gradually led into deeper processes built on self-awareness and cooperation. During the morning, exercises came into focus that helped the young people become more aware of their own feelings and express them with increasing precision, even in a reflective way. Emphasis was also placed on being able to name and share how they see themselves, while also experiencing the importance of cooperation through shared tasks.

The participants could also try themselves in situations through our outdoor activities where they could give space to their creativity, show some aspects of their personalities, and also have the opportunity to safely test their own boundaries.

We closed the evening with a relaxed but thought-provoking career orientation game of a preparatory nature, which also served as a kind of introduction to the programs of the following weekends.

On Sunday, we continued our shared work with a morning rich in experiences, which we could once again spend outdoors surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. This was followed by the closing of the weekend: during a shared reflection, the participants had the opportunity to look back on the past days, organize their experiences, and express all that they take with them – whether realizations, lessons, or personal experiences.

It was especially good to hear that the participants said goodbye already looking forward to the next occasion, when we can meet again after four weeks.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this weekend possible.

Our journey was supported by the HRB Car Rental (Komárno), for which we are also very grateful.

The training was implemented with the support of the European Union.

More information about the related ReConnection project can be found by clicking here.

This article was written by Viktória Zsoldos.

Élményekkel a tudatos döntések felé - Pályaválasztási nap az Ipariban

mm — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 08:48:38 +0000

Toward Conscious Decisions Through Experiences - Career Orientation Day at the Secondary School of Mechanical Engineering and Electrotechnics mm 2026. 03. 06

2026. 03. 06

Career guidance

Toward Conscious Decisions Through Experiences - Career Orientation Day at the Secondary School of Mechanical Engineering and Electrotechnics

In February 2026 TANDEM organized the career orientation day named “My Profession” (HU: Mesterségem cíMERRE?) at the Secondary School of Mechanical Engineering and Electrotechnics in Komárno. The program offered support to nearly 90 third-grade students in thinking more consciously about further studies and their future.

During the first half of the day, participants took part in sessions focused on self-awareness in small groups. Through interactive games and situational exercises, they could discover their strengths, while also articulating their personal goals and ideas for the future.

In the afternoon block, the emphasis shifted to concrete questions of career choice. Through several stations, students could gain experience-based insights: during the Apply Smart! (Felvételizz okosan!) board game, they could gain insight into university life; in the Living Library program, they could speak with representatives of different professions; while in the Mock Job Interview, they could try themselves in a simulated recruitment situation.

At the Creative Stand, by “traveling” into the future, they could imagine their own professional life path, while at the Career Path Ropes Course they could also test their courage and perseverance. In addition, there was an opportunity for individual consultation with a career guidance counselor.

At the Information Stand, representatives of János Selye University (SK) and Széchenyi István Egyetem University of Győr (HU) provided information about further study opportunities, while in the Graduate Preview program students could also experience what it feels like to look toward their future with a diploma in hand.

To close the program, a raffle made the day even more memorable.

We thank the leadership, teachers, students and staff of the Secondary School for their kind and helpful welcome, as well as for their cooperation. We are grateful for the dedicated work of our trainers, colleagues and volunteers, as well as for the active participation of the students.

We also thank the representatives of J. Selye University in Komárno and Széchenyi István University of Győr for supporting our event with their presence.

Special thanks go to those professionals who contributed to the success of the program as our Living Books:

Peter Pallér – Full-Stack Software Developer
Anita Knirs – Accountant
Dávid Kovács – IT Specialist, Entrepreneur and Journalist – Reboot! Computer Store and Service
Adrián Marcinkó – Managing Director, Marketing Manager – WADO Digital Agency
Gábor Szabó – Design Engineer (Mechanical Design), Industrial Designer
Peter Sefcsik – Research & Development Team Leader, Mechanical Engineer
Patrik Hajko – CEO, Inspection Specialist – HajkON, s.r.o.
Daniel Velsicz – Project Manager, Electrician – HajkON, s.r.o.
Daniel Forró – Metalworker, CNC Machine Operator
János Morvai – Economist / Director Responsible for Tenders – ARRIVA Slovakia
Kinga Baráth – Economist, Financial Advisor
Kornél Ferenczi – Electrical Engineer, Entrepreneur – Eltecor s.r.o.

As the event took place during the week of our partner meeting, it also provided a good opportunity to involve representatives of our Transylvanian partner, the Asociația Turul Madar / Com.Pass Association, more closely in the program. Our cooperation with them is currently taking place within the Career Compass – for the Future Professionals Erasmus+ project. During the meeting, our partners could gain direct experience with the career orientation games and tools addressing young people, while also actively contributing to the successful realization of the event. We gratefully thank them for this as well.

It is a great source of joy for us that this inspiring day, rich in experiences, could be successfully realized.

Briefly About the “My Profession” (Mesterségem cíMERRE?) Program

This is a full-day career orientation program for secondary school students, primarily addressing third- and fourth-year students. The aim of the event is for young people to get to know the world of different professions through real-life examples: to gain insight into the everyday realities, challenges and beauty of particular professions, and to find answers to the questions that occupy them as they stand before choosing a career.

The program was realized with the support of the Bethlen Gábor Fund.

Empower Myself 2025 - Megvalósult a Messzelátó képzés záró hétvégéje

mm — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:10:19 +0000

Empower Myself 2025 - The Final Weekend workshop mm 2026. 01. 30

2026. 01. 30

Career guidance

Empower Myself 2025 - The Final Weekend workshop

In January, the closing weekend of the training series within the framework of the Empower Myself project took place, marking the conclusion of a four-weekend developmental process. The final session of the programme was once again held in Jelka (Slovakia), at our well-known and much-loved venue, the Betlehem Mission Centre, where young people were able to continue working on their personal development in a safe and supportive environment.

During the closing weekend, special emphasis was placed on raising awareness of personal growth. Participants once again had the opportunity to work in groups, reflect together on various topics, and take part in activities that allowed them to experience effective cooperation and make use of their strengths within team settings.

One of the key themes of Saturday’s programme was media literacy and the conscious use of artificial intelligence. Participants actively explored how these tools can be used responsibly and creatively. As part of the process, we also worked with text and image generation. The joint work resulted in a unique outcome: with the help of artificial intelligence, the young people created a collective song reflecting on their experiences and learning journey throughout the Messzelátó programme.

The Saturday evening programme offered a meaningful closing experience for the participants, with a strong focus on emotional reflection and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. As part of this, we gathered around a shared campfire, which provided space for slowing down, processing experiences and deepening connections with one another.

On Sunday, the focus shifted to summarising and reflecting on the learning outcomes of the entire programme, as well as sharing feedback. Participants reflected on where they started and how far they had come over the course of the four weekends. The programme concluded in a ceremonial setting, where the young people received their certificates, symbolically crowning the shared journey.

We would like to sincerely thank all the young participants for taking part in this four-weekend developmental process. We strongly believe that they have undergone tangible personal growth that will also be reflected in their everyday lives. They have acquired skills and competences that are essential for further studies, the world of work and successful integration into the labour market. As trainers, it was a great privilege to accompany these personal development journeys, and we wish every participant much success in their future paths.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our trainers, volunteers and everyone who contributed in any way to the realisation of these weekends. Special thanks go to the Betlehem Mission Centre for once again providing a space that supported the development of young people during the final weekend.
The Empower Myself project is implemented with the support of the European Union.

More information about the project is available here.

pályaorientáció