Inclusion through board games - ESC-30 Solidarity Project
With our Solidarity project, "Társas társas", we want to bring a positive change in the community of Hungarian and international young people, which will give them the opportunity to meet each other and build a community with the power of board games. The change we envisage would see international young people settling in more easily to their new living conditions, while getting to know and make friends with young Hungarians who can make international contacts, practise English, learn about new cultures and make new friends. The project has been supported by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps.
How can a board game help break down social and cultural barriers? That was one of the questions we explored in our ESC-30 Solidarity Project, Board Games for Inclusion, which ran in Budapest from the summer of 2024 into the early months of 2025.
Why We Started This Project
The primary goal of the project was to foster a more inclusive and connected student community in Budapest—one where Hungarian and international students feel equally welcome and empowered to engage with each other. However, not only university students, but all young people were welcomed.
We believe that there should be no social or cultural barriers that prevent young people from forming friendships, learning from one another, and building a shared community. And we also believe in doing this through platforms that feel natural, fun, and accessible.
Board games proved to be the perfect tool: they create a playful and pressure-free environment where creativity, communication, and teamwork can flourish. These informal settings offer a unique way to develop soft skills while bridging the gap between different backgrounds and languages
What We Did
Our team organized a series of board game nights with both Hungarian and international young people living in Budapest. These events weren’t meant for “locals” or “internationals”—they were designed to be shared experiences, treating everyone simply as youngsters living in Budapest.
Each session featured a selection of carefully chosen board games, emphasizing team-building and cooperation over competition. We paid special attention to inclusivity: every event was designed to be welcoming, engaging, and meaningful for newcomers and regulars alike.
By playing together, participants got to know one another informally, often discovering shared interests and learning new communication styles across languages and cultures.
What We Achieved
The project aimed not just at one-time connections, but long-term impact. Over 150 young people attended our events. We wanted to:
Build lasting friendships between Hungarian and international students.
Create a community of Hungarian and international students
Encourage other student initiatives to follow our example and organize inclusive, intercultural programmes.
Support language learning in a fun, natural environment.
And ultimately, contribute to a university culture that sees diversity as a strength—not a barrier.
While we know that one project alone can't transform entire university societies, we believe in the power of grassroots change. A single board game night can plant the seed for a friendship, a collaboration, or simply a more open mindset.
What Comes Next?
The board game nights will continue even after the project ends. Follow our social media channels to stay updated about the upcoming events.