Erasmus + – Life for Youth – Professional Training – Ráckeresztúr | Hungary
Life for Youth
2022-3-RO01-KA210-YOU-000098044
Prevention of Drug Use for Youth
Professional Training
Ráckeresztúr, Hungary
October 9, 2023 – October 14, 2023
Summary
From October 9-14, a professional training event was held in Ráckeresztúr, Romania, for eight addiction specialists from the Bonus Pastor Foundation (BPA) in Târgu Mureș and the Kallódó Ifjúságot Mentő Misszió (Mission for Rescuing Lost Youth). The six-day training aimed to provide the BPA specialists with the necessary skills to offer drug prevention services for young people using the Portage model. The hosts worked to help participants improve their connection with the 18-30 age group, through the development of their professional tools and personal growth, while also supporting the creation of a drug prevention program for BPA’s outpatient service.
On the first day, the training began with an introductory presentation by Eszter Erdős, the project’s professional coordinator, who highlighted that prevention is a process that requires comprehensive planning. The training involved sharing practical experiences and professional knowledge, deepening self-awareness, introducing prevention methodologies for young people, supporting them in strengthening a healthy lifestyle, and developing problem-solving and conflict management skills. Throughout the training, experts in addiction recovery participated as guest speakers, sharing their personal experiences to help support the work of the specialists. The participants designed a drug prevention emblem, evaluated their personal goals, expectations, and motivations. In the second part of the day, they attended presentations on the behavior and motivations of substance-dependent individuals, and through role-playing, they enhanced their skills and knowledge in recognizing and addressing youth drug issues.
On the second day, the focus shifted to drug-related disorders and their manifestations. The group discussed how to overcome the victim role, and in group work, they explored questions such as: How do I perceive people, drug users, and the problems caused by addiction? How do I see myself, and how would I like to see myself? What do I need to become the person I want to be? This session helped participants develop their empathy and self-awareness skills.
The third day was dedicated to learning self-help and self-defense skills. The lectures provided insights into the psychological work with substance users and therapeutic possibilities. In the practical session, participants focused on prevention work with children and young people, as well as the role of parents in both prevention and therapy.
On the fourth day, Romanian specialists explored international trends in drug prevention, prevention methods, drug prevention spaces, and school drug strategies. During group work, they developed specific school drug strategies for particular institutions and target groups. Alongside this, they also developed their organizational and networking skills.
The goal of the fifth day was to acquire competencies in a person-centered approach and effective communication. Participants practiced expressing feelings, problem-solving, assertiveness, refusal skills, and effective communication, while also working on stress management and relaxation techniques. The day concluded with an evaluation and feedback session.
On the final, sixth day, the focus was on sharing best practices in the operation of drug prevention ambulances. The group visited the Hungarian Reformed Church’s “Choose the Way” Mission in Budapest, where they observed the practical application of the methods they had learned and exchanged professional experiences. The lectures also covered the role of spirituality and psychology in the healing process. The training concluded with a professional evaluation.
We concluded our training in Hungary in a positive and motivating atmosphere. We succeeded in learning from one another, based on shared values and professional standards. Both in the lectures and in group work, we collaborated with a motivated, dynamic, and proactive team, all deeply committed to working with young people struggling with substance dependence. We hope this event will contribute to the long-term social integration of vulnerable young people in Romania. The Bonus Pastor Foundation will incorporate the project’s results into its services and will be able to offer programs that better meet the needs of its target groups.
