On this page

1. Information providers

2. Key initiatives

Information providers

The top-level public body that provides information is the Deputy State Secretariat for Civil and Social Relationships within the Prime Minister's Office (Miniszterelnökség) and its Division for Civil and Social Consultation. They maintain the Civil Information Portal (Civil Információs Portál) and the network of Civil Public Service Centres (Civil Közösségi Szolgáltató Központok).

On the one hand, the Volunteer Portal (Önkéntes Portál) provides useful, practical and up-to-date information about volunteering (not only) for young volunteers. On the other hand, it ensures that those who want to volunteer easily and quickly find the volunteering opportunities best suited to their ideas. It also allows host organisations to publicise their current volunteer opportunities.

According to the data of the Department for Young People of the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, the number of registered active volunteer host organisations performing voluntary activities in the public interest, was about 13 000 in the last two years.

Key initiatives

There are some initiatives taken in Hungary to disseminate information about volunteering among young people. Some of those are as follows.

'You pick it up!' – Volunteering for a pure Hungary

The 'TeSzedd!' ('You pick it up!') programme is Hungary's largest voluntary litter picking movement. The objectives and scope of the programme or action are to clean up public areas throughout the country. Since 2011, the action lasts three days per year. The target group is everyone, especially young people and students.

'72 Hours Without Compromise'

An annual event directly funded by the National Cooperation Fund (Nemzeti Együttműködési Alap) and organised by Christian churches is the action called '72 Hours Without Compromise' ('72 óra kompromisszum nélkül'). During the event groups of young people engage in voluntary activities that aim at social, ecological or developmental aims. Stories on the projects can be found on the event's website. (For more information, see 9.4 Raising awareness about global issues.)

Pro Voluntarius Award

Following the action plan of the National Volunteer Strategy 2012-2020, the Pro Voluntarius Award (Pro Voluntarius díj) was established in 2013 for the social recognition of volunteering. The prize is awarded each year on International Volunteers' Day (5th of December) to organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the culture of volunteering.  

'The Ministerial Prize can be awarded for volunteering; common good service; outstanding professional achievement and activities in the education of young generations for volunteering.' (Pro Voluntarius díj)

The winner receives a higher cash prize, HUF 500 000 (about gross EUR 1 250).

Time to Move campaign

Time to Move is an annual Europe-wide campaign in October, organised by the Eurodesk network, and which is delivered to young people in Hungary by the Tempus Public Foundation. It aims to allow young people to learn about study, volunteering and internship opportunities abroad and to support them in their international mobility projects. The campaign includes various online and in-person events, such as webinars, information sessions, outdoor games and cultural activities. These events allow young people to receive personalised information, hear inspiring stories and build new relationships. 

In 2024, they organised 80 events in Hungary to inform young people about international learning, volunteering and internship opportunities. Eurodesk partners organised nationwide events including interactive school lessons, career days, student forums, game nights, flash mobs and themed events, such as pumpkin carving, costume parties. The events also featured young people with international experience sharing their experiences. The campaign's online platforms, such as the online breakout rooms and Talkative Thursdays webinars, are still available, helping young people to explore mobility opportunities.