Életfa Természetbarát Egyesület

Our association is a Hungarian non-governmental, non-profit organisation established in 2010 and based in Kács, a small rural village at the southern foothills of the Bükk Mountains in north-eastern Hungary. As a public-benefit organisation, we work mainly in Kács and the surrounding villages, a region facing social and economic challenges. Our mission is to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable lifestyles, physical and mental well-being, community development and personal growth through non-formal and informal learning.

A central part of our work is environmental education for children and young people. We organise interactive, creative and experience-based activities, workshops, camps and educational programmes focusing on nature protection, biodiversity, responsible consumption, waste reduction and sustainable living. We work with local schools, families and communities, particularly supporting children and young people with fewer opportunities. Our educational methods encourage curiosity, cooperation, self-expression, critical thinking and active participation. We also organise environmental and healthy-lifestyle lectures and community programmes for adults.

Since 2010, we have operated a small demonstration site in Kács, where we put sustainable rural living into practice. The site includes an organic and permaculture-inspired kitchen garden, a herb garden, fruit trees, small-scale animal keeping, renewable energy solutions and rainwater collection. It provides an opportunity to learn about self-sufficiency, ecological gardening, food production, preserving food, natural resource management and environmentally conscious everyday habits. We welcome volunteers who can participate in gardening, caring for animals, maintaining and developing the site, preparing food and supporting our educational and community activities.

We have experience in hosting volunteers and creating learning opportunities through practical work, intercultural exchange and everyday cooperation. Volunteers are encouraged to take initiative, develop practical and social skills, strengthen their independence and reflect on their learning experiences. We consider mutual respect, open communication, shared responsibility and a balance between giving and receiving essential to successful cooperation.

Another important field of our work is health promotion. We organise yoga, movement meditation, dance and movement-based self-development activities, art- and movement-therapy-inspired sessions, community hikes, herb walks and educational programmes about medicinal plants and healthy living. These activities support self-awareness, emotional well-being, active lifestyles and stronger local communities.

We also develop and deliver youth programmes and international learning opportunities. In 2024-2026, we implemented a DiscoverEU project involving young people with fewer opportunities, supporting their personal development, independence, intercultural awareness, social inclusion and learning through travel. We are interested in expanding our international partnerships and participating in Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects as a host and lead organisation.

Our educational approach is inclusive, participatory, creative and closely connected to real-life experiences. We believe that learning through cooperation, volunteering, nature and intercultural encounters can empower young people to become more confident, responsible and active members of their communities. We are particularly interested in partnerships related to environmental sustainability, youth participation, inclusion, rural development, healthy lifestyles, non-formal education and international volunteering.

Website: https://www.eletfaegyesulet.com