Erasmus + – Life for Youth – Final conference – Hungary

Life for Youth
2022-3-RO01-KA210-YOU-000098044

MRE KIMM FINAL CONFERENCE REPORT

MREKIMM(The Lost Youth Rescue Mission of the Reformed Church in Hungary) held the
closing conference of the Life4Youth project in three different locations and on three different
dates: the first day on August the 27th, 2024, in Ráckeresztúr at 45 Rákóczi F. Street; the
second day on September the 4th, 2024, in Budapest, District 8, at 33 Magdolna Street; and
the third day on September the 18th, 2024, in Ráckeresztúr at 6 Madách Street.
The primary aim of the three-day closing conference was to present the joint curriculum
developed by the Bonus Pastor Foundation and MRE KIMM to professionals who had not
participated in the project before (both within and outside the partnership). Additionally, the
goal was to train attendees in the practical use of the completed online publication, which
serves as an effective resource for organizations involved in drug prevention and
professionals working with youth.
The event was attended by social professionals (social workers, psychologists, mental health
specialists, etc.) and teachers who had previously registered for the program. Young people
who participated in the pilot phase of the Life4Youth drug prevention curriculum were also
invited to share their feedback with the professionals regarding what they have learned from
the prevention program.
On the first day, participants were introduced to the Life4Youth– Life for Youth project
through a presentation by Rev. Viktor Katona. They also learned about the youth-focused life
coaching techniques developed by the Bonus Pastor Foundation and acquired by Hungarian
experts during their training. Rev- Eszter Erdős presented the completed drug prevention
curriculum. An important part of the program was the testimony of invited young participants
who provided insight into the testing process and its impact on them. Both young people
reported positive experiences, highlighting that the prevention activities helped them to reflect
on their traumas, failures, and negative family experiences from new perspectives. The
questions, viewpoints, and discussions during the sessions provided new ideas and insights
for their future paths. The participants were allowed to ask questions to both the speakers
and the young people during the forum.
On the second day, the conference focused on life coaching techniques recommended for
youth. Rev. Viktor Katona presented the biblically inspired life coaching techniques
developed by the Bonus Pastor Foundation, followed by a personal testimony from a young
participant who discussed how these techniques influenced their life. A significant topic
addressed was digitalization, emphasizing the differences between time spent online and
offline activities, the impact of the internet and mobile phones on the current generation’s
self-esteem and life outlook, and how biblically inspired life coaching can help mitigate these
challenges and foster awareness among youth.
A round table discussion on life coaching was moderated by Rev. Eszter Erdős, with
participation from Rev. Viktor Katona and addiction consultant János Hamar. During this
forum, participants analyzed case studies they brought, as well as real examples from
previous prevention activities. Rev. Viktor Katona delivered a comprehensive presentation on
the fundamentals of life coaching, specifically referring to the training he received through the
Bonus Pastor Foundation.
On the third day, attendees were introduced to KIMM’s drug prevention methodology, which
is based on the Portage model, emphasizing the principles of positive psychology. Young
project participants shared their experiences with the prevention activities. Dr. Judit Péter, a
child psychiatrist, gave a presentation titled “Digital Relationships: Life Reflected Through the
Screen,” underscoring the need for preventive interventions. Participants then engaged in
workshops to learn the application of the Portage method in prevention practices. Through
interactive exercises, they became familiar with experiential pedagogy approaches, art
therapy sessions, and the significance of sports and outdoor activities in prevention work.
To conclude, Eszter Erdős and Viktor Katona spoke about the importance and future
potential of the life coaching techniques and the Life4Youth prevention curriculum,
emphasizing that sharing the accumulated knowledge could significantly improve the
availability and quality of drug prevention services.
Throughout the three-day event series, the MRE KIMM team not only showcased the jointly
developed curriculum with the Bonus Pastor Foundation but also provided a detailed
overview of the characteristics of the target group vulnerable to drug use in a postmodern
society. They presented practical methods, techniques, and exercises aimed at assisting
participants in running future prevention programs. Case studies and real-life examples
allowed attendees to gain deeper insights into the needs of the target group and better
understand the practical application of the acquired knowledge. Discussions with drug
prevention professionals indicated that they believed the training equipped them to offer
higher-quality prevention programs to youth, leading to positive changes in the effectiveness
of their work.