Interview with Magdolna Kremmer – Young European of the Year 2025

Congratulations on receiving the Young European of the Year award, Magdolna! Could you briefly introduce yourself and share what drives your commitment to a more just and inclusive Europe? 

My name is Magdolna Kremmer, I’m 25 and from Hungary. For over six years, I’ve worked at the Piliscsabai Tanoda, an afternoon school for underprivileged, mostly Roma children. We use non-formal educational methods to create a safe and supportive environment where kids can be themselves, learn, ask questions, and fail without being judged. I studied Community Coordination with a focus on youth work, then earned a Master’s in Social Policy to better understand the system behind my work. Because of the lack of resources, two colleagues and I founded the Seedling Community Foundation to support the Tanoda and expand our work. Alongside this, I’ve volunteered in community spaces, worked as a freelance journalist writing about social issues, and explored different educational methods. I believe that where we are born isn’t our choice, but using our privilege to give back is. For me, building inclusive communities and improving access to education is how I try to do that.

Your work is deeply rooted in your local community. What inspired you to start working with disadvantaged children and young people in rural Hungary? 

I wouldn’t say where I work is rural. It’s a small town, yes, but it’s close to the capital, which makes the social differences even bigger and more visible. On one side of the road there are beautiful suburban family houses, while on the other side there are  simple, worn-down homes without basic comforts. I was always disturbed by these inequalities. From a young age, I understood how much privilege it gave me to come from a middle-class, intellectual family, and I felt the responsibility to give back with the resources I have. When I started volunteering at the Piliscsabai Tanoda, I felt like I was finally doing something meaningful, I found a place where I could contribute to creating real change and support children and young people who face these challenges every day.

Was there a specific moment when you realized: “I want to make a difference”?

I felt the need to stand up for those who are treated unfairly. In middle school, there was a Roma girl I comforted after someone said racial slurs to her. We didn’t really know each other, and I think that was the only time we spoke. She was several years younger than me. Years after I graduated elementary school, I went back to visit my teachers, and this girl came up to me, hugged me, and said she still remembers how much it helped when I comforted her. That moment made me realize that even a simple act of kindness and standing up against oppression can have a lasting impact. Maybe back then I wasn’t fully aware that I wanted to make a difference, but it’s my earliest memory of understanding how important it is to raise our voices and not accept injustice as it is.

You’ve often mentioned that your work happens away from the spotlight. What do you see in your daily work that others often overlook? 

The type of educational institution I work in, called “Tanoda,” is not very well known in Hungary, even though there are nearly 200 of them. When I talk about my work, I often have to start by explaining what Tanodas are and what we do. People working in the social sector, especially those supporting the most vulnerable members of society, often receive little financial or social recognition here. These workers are the invisible driving force behind social reproduction, without them, the whole system would collapse. In my daily work I see the reality of poverty, educational inequalities, and segregation. These are hard truths to face. Many people prefer not to see these issues or simply don’t have the opportunity to engage with them because they need to focus on meeting their basic needs.

Working in the social field can be incredibly rewarding, but also challenging. What are the biggest obstacles you face – and how do you handle setbacks? 

One of the hardest things is working in a system where the government doesn’t care about social justice, in fact, it often actively tears down the few support structures that exist. The whole social sector is severely underfunded and undervalued. I’ve had to work two or three jobs just to be able to stay in this field. There’s also a lack of recognition, shrinking space for civil society, and laws that make our work harder. It often feels like we are taking one step forward and two steps back. What helps me get through is remembering how far we’ve come as an organization, and how much we’ve built from so little. I believe in the power of communities, having people around me who share similar values is what keeps me going. And most of all, the children and young people I work with are my biggest motivation. Seeing that an activity I planned makes them smile, sparks questions, or starts a conversation – that’s what reminds me why this work matters.

Is there a specific moment or story from your work that especially moved you or stayed with you? 

It’s hard to pick just one, honestly. But one moment that really stayed with me happened not so long ago. One of our boys, who isn’t usually the type to show big emotions, arrived devastated because he had left his backpack on the bus on the way to our afternoon activity. He was crying, and I could see how serious it was for him. Everything was in that bag: his books, ID papers, pocket money, and his most precious item: his phone. I told him we’d try to get it back and, and luckily, I reached a really kind woman at the bus company who helped me figure everything out. The driver said he’d be back at our station soon and could hand it over, and I gave it back, I saw the happiest little boy ever, crying from relief. This child, who is too often filled with anger and frustration, had the biggest smile on his face. Later that day, we had an activity where everyone had to finish the sentence, “I’m grateful for…” and he said, “I’m grateful for Magdi for bringing back my backpack.” He thanked me so many times, it was obvious he doesn’t even know how to express himself in a situation like this. Even now I get emotional thinking about it. For me, it felt like the most normal thing to do, but for him, it meant the world. This story reminds me how much every small act of care matters, especially when children often don’t have those experiences in their everyday lives.

What does it mean to you to be Young European of the Year 2025? Personally, and for the people you work with? 

This recognition means a lot to me personally, it reassures me that what I believe in, and the work I’m doing, truly matters. Sometimes it’s easy to doubt yourself or wonder if your efforts make a difference. But this award confirms that the path I chose is the right one. For the people I work with, it’s even more important. It shows that the work happening on the ground, with children and young people facing real challenges every day, is valued and seen as important. It’s a reminder that social work and community building aren’t invisible or unimportant, they are essential.

Looking at Europe today: What do you think young people need to feel safe, heard, and supported? 

Young people today face huge challenges, not just personal struggles, but growing fears of war, climate crisis, and rising inequality. The current political climate often ignores their needs and fails to protect their rights, which makes it even harder for them to feel safe and supported. To truly support young people, we have to start with their basic needs: we need to create safe, inclusive spaces where they can meet, feel secure, and access food and care. But it’s not enough to just meet these needs. They also need to understand the system they live in: how it affects them, what their role is, and how they can raise their voices to protect their rights. Communities are important because they create the space where young people can practice raising their voice, making democratic decisions, working together, and developing empathy. This sense of belonging and empowerment helps them believe that their words and actions matter and can bring real change.

If you could change one thing in European youth policy, what would it be?

If I could change one thing in European youth policy, I would push for stable, long-term funding – specifically for community-based youth centers and non-formal education programs. Youth centres and community spaces are essential because they offer young people safe environments to practice democracy, learn solidarity and build real connections outside of formal school settings. Such spaces help foster resilience and a sense of belonging, which are essential for young people to feel seen and valued and actively participate in society. Investing in this kind of long-term support is crucial for building a more just and inclusive Europe.

Lastly, what would you like to say to other young people who want to get involved but might still be hesitant? 

Find others who share your values, because it’s always easier to take action together. And don’t wait for the perfect moment or a big idea. Just start with what’s around you: help organize something in your community, speak up in a discussion, or support a cause you care about. Small steps matter. They build connection, raise awareness, and slowly shift things in the right direction.