The Young Journalists Programme is a three-month initiative designed to empower aspiring journalists through hands-on training and mentorship in the Perspectives II network. Participants will develop their journalistic skills by independently working on media content with the support of experienced professionals. We have chosen our team and are excited to read their stories!
As part of our Perspectives project, the Young Journalists Programme brings together aspiring journalists from Central and Eastern Europe to gain valuable hands-on experience and network internationally. In April 2025, Goethe-Institut Budapest hosted a seminar with 14 selected participants. Through workshops, expert talks and editorial visits, they developed their journalistic skills and planned further collaborations.
Here's a glimpse into their journey!
As part of our Perspectives project, the Young Journalists Programme brings together aspiring journalists from Central and Eastern Europe to gain valuable hands-on experience and network internationally. In April 2025, Goethe-Institut Budapest hosted a seminar with 14 selected participants. Through workshops, expert talks and editorial visits, they developed their journalistic skills and planned further collaborations.
Here's a glimpse into their journey!
‘Blueberries are good for the blood, for mouth ulcers, for the skin, for relaxing and for life.’ Every summer, blueberry pickers spend hours, days and weeks in the forests on the border between Czechia and Austria. This time, you can accompany them and discover that the reality of their work is much more multifaceted than the annual discussions on internet forums might suggest. An immersive report by Anna Váchová.
by Anna Váchová
first published by Jádu: Borůvky 200m
An artist on the periphery: Veronika Zárubová experiences how post-COVID makes people invisible – and why vulnerability is political. An interview about illness and a system that lets many people down.
by Anna Váchová
first published by Jádu: Sen o plavání, běhání, bruslení a sociální spravedlnosti
The series of texts entitled Another November focuses on how people from various minorities perceived the Velvet Revolution and the post-revolutionary transformation of society. In this part, the author spoke with representatives of the Roma community. Although we recognized the Roma as a nationality in 1991, we have been making bad segregationist and discriminatory decisions about their lives in the new state system for at least as long—both at the political and social levels.
by Diana Burgerová
first published by Kapital: INÝ NOVEMBER: Chudobu Rómov si mýlime s ich neschopnosťou, etnicitu s diagnózou a spoločenský pôvod s hodnotou človeka, hovorí Denisa Havrľová
The series of texts entitled Another November focuses on how people from various minorities perceived the Velvet Revolution and the post-revolutionary transformation of society. In this part, the author spoke with representatives of the Vietnamese community. They talk about their harsh living and studying conditions in Czechoslovakia, but also about racist attacks and fear in the ensuing period of freedom, which some misunderstood.
by Diana Burgerová
first published by Kapital: Iný november: Vytvárať s ľuďmi z Vietnamu multikultúrnu spoločnosť nebolo v československom záujme. Dokázali to sami
The series of texts entitled Another November focuses on how people from various minorities perceived the Velvet Revolution and the post-revolutionary transformation of society. In this part, the author spoke with two of the queer activists. They recount their struggle from the isolation of normalization, when homosexuality was pathologized to post-1989 activism. They criticize the slow progress in legislative equality in Slovakia, and emphasize that despite the efforts of activists, the situation for queer people today is alarming.
by Diana Burgerová
first published by Kapital: Iný november: Čarnogurským sa po revolúcii začalo vedomé politizovanie kvír ľudí. Neprestalo dodnes
The Roma settlement is threatened by a massive landslide compared to a "time bomb". The relocation solution is complicated by bureaucracy and a lack of suitable land. Residents face overcrowded homes without basic infrastructure, such as electricity or water, and segregated education, which contributes to intergenerational poverty. Although the financial situation is slowly improving due to increased employment, many feel "stuck".
by Dorota Suránová
first published by Kapital: Za potokom. Topografia vylúčenia rómskej komunity v Kolačkove
First part of the series about single parents. Women in their sixties recalled how they became single mothers years ago. Women in their thirties united by the need to heal the painful traumas of their childhood. What does it look like when the pressures of society, work demands, and motherhood are compounded by alcoholism, violence, a paralyzing fear of lack of resources, or a system that imposes traditional gender roles on women even when they are the sole breadwinners in the household?
by Diana Burgerová
first published by Kapital: Mama aj otec v jednej osobe, paralyzujúci stres od výplaty k výplate. Jednorodičovské príbehy ľudí z celého Slovenska.
The text examines the phenomenon and significance of soccer in the lower Slovak leagues. The author describes the community character of village football, where the boundaries between fans, organizers, and players are blurred, in contrast to the nationalist and xenophobic passions present in the higher leagues. Despite declining interest among young people and the challenges of modern sport, football in small villages remains an important social ritual and a tool for community building.
by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapital: Hľadá sa balet pracujúcej triedy
The reportage describes the pro-Palestinian protest in Berlin, which took place the day after the ceasefire in Gaza was declared. Despite the German chancellor's statement that there was no longer any reason to demonstrate, protesters expressed skepticism about the ceasefire agreement. The text also reflects the division of the German left on the issue of Palestine, with decolonial criticism leading to the emergence of new activist groups.
by Lucia Rončíková
first published by Kapitál under the title „Are we all terrorists?“ Reportáž z berlínskeho protestu United for Gaza
Behind the high brick walls of a former factory in Okhtyrka (Sumy Oblast), where Soviet industrialisation once roared, British and Ukrainian hip-hop can now be heard. Teenagers from this small town live out their street culture here, 50 kilometres from the Russian border.
by Anna Shpurik
first published by Jádu:
Спротив у твоєму ДНК
From Ukrainian motanki to the goddesses of Žítková to contemporary ecological collectives, folk magic is finding new forms in the Anthropocene. Playfulness, rituals, and ancient wisdom are turning into weapons against powerlessness and indifference.
by Ella Katrovasová
first published by Jádu under the title Lidové čarování v antropocénu
The author examines the commercialization and changes in the nature of water sports, which have transformed from a traditional activity into organized recreation with a developed infrastructure. The article also discusses the historical context of water tourism in Czechoslovakia and critically assesses the impact of mass tourism on river ecosystems, mentioning efforts to regulate and protect natural resources.
by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapitál under the title České vody all inclusive
What is the latest disinformation you have heard about Ukrainian refugees in Europe? Populist politicians and Russian propaganda accuse Ukrainians of everything from Ukrainization of Europe to stealing fish in the Czech Republic. How can we show Europeans that stereotypes about Ukrainians are lies? Reporter Anastasia Aharkova, who came to the Czech Republic to escape the war in Ukraine, shares stories of Ukrainian women who are refuting this disinformation with their attitudes.
by Anastasiia Aharkova
first published by JÁDU under the title Шлях до себе
How can traditions turn a small town into a local tourist hub? Hořice, a Czech town with a population of 8, 000, welcomes 50, 000 tourists every year. Hořice is an example of how developing local tourism can revitalise small communities and help them preserve their identity.
by Anastasiia Aharkova
first published by JÁDU under the title Jak tradice zachránily Hořice
Our reporter Tobiáš Wagner visited one of the occupied universities in Serbia. How does student self-government work? How are those in power responding to the long-term protests? And is the question really not whether the regime will fall, but when?
by Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title Reportáž ze srbských protestů: Anatomie protestu
Where does cultural identity begin — in your passport, in your language, in your childhood memories, or in a song you fell in love with without understanding any of the words?
by Danila Sviridov
first published by NARVAMUS under the title Viimne reliikvia, Kevade и пироги по рецепту бабушки: путь к Эстонии без словаря
Kaspar Wang – a TikToker from China who’s fallen in love with Estonia. We met Kaspar in Tartu to walk around his favorite spots and talk about moving, cultural adaptation, and what it feels like to truly belong in a new country.
An in-depth conversation with journalist and writer Ziemowit Szczerek, who reflects on why Serbia’s student movement gives hope for democratic change in Central Europe—and why their strategy has made them a true political force.
by Łukasz Słowiński with Ziemowit Szczerek
first published by KulturaLiberalna under the title Za studentami stanęli ludzie. Teraz trzeba się z nimi liczyć
For over eight months, students have protested daily in Serbia's major cities and reached out to rural communities, building solidarity and challenging a corrupt regime. These are the longest-running protests in the country's history—and a sign that a new generation refuses to accept authoritarianism.
by Łukasz Słowiński
first published by KulturaLiberalna under the title Młodzi Serbowie walczą z dyktaturą
How does ethnicity and anti-ethnic policies manifest themselves in the case of Kurds* leaving Turkey for the Czech Republic?
Second part of the series "Youth in Self-Exile".
by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title Mládí v sebe-exilu: Vrstvy identit a příběhů odchodu z tureckého Kurdistánu (2)
The young Turkish and Kurdish diaspora in the Czech Republic is still in its infancy. How does it differ from the German one? And under what circumstances would they consider returning? First part of the series "Youth in Self-Exile".
by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title Mládí v sebe-exilu: Vrstvy identit a příběhů odchodu z Turecka (1)
In Hungary, Poland, and across Europe, ketamine is emerging as a powerful option for treatment-resistant depression. But is it accessible to all? And what’s next for psychedelic therapy in the region?
by Ráhel Csenge Vermes
first published by EPER under the title A ketamin szerepe a depresszió kezelésében
Some experts agree with the protesting Serbs that it is not a question of whether the regime will fall, but when. Authoritarian President Aleksandar Vučić has no plans to step down, despite massive demonstrations. Some fear a Belarusian scenario, but so far we have not seen any images of the army in the streets. The ruling SNS party is stalling and, in an attempt to show its strength, has called a rally of supporters in Belgrade on 12 April.
by Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title Anatomie protestu II: „Tohle je poslední šance pro Srbsko“
Anti-government protests have been shaking Serbia for almost eight months now, and so far, they show no signs of losing momentum. After a demonstration in the capital, there were violent clashes with the police and arrests. Participants barricaded major transport routes in Belgrade and other cities and are demanding early elections. It all started with students who went on strike and have been blocking Serbian universities since autumn. How did protesting become the main focus of their lives?
by Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title Anatomie protestu I: Jak se studenti snaží změnit Srbsko
In a city shaped by centuries of cultural layering and historical trauma, a Ukrainian author explores what Vilnius can teach us about the practice of empathy.
The first part of the Lifestyle Health podcast mini-series is about protecting our eyes and vision. We talk to Miklós Ostorics, a medical student, about the most common eye diseases and what everyday activities we can do to keep our eyes healthy for longer. We also talk about dioptric deviations, poor hygiene habits, and the signs that you should consult a doctor as soon as possible if you notice them on yourself or others.
by Hanna Zaszlavik
first published by Radio EPER under the title Szemünk fénye – Hogyan vigyázzunk szemünk egészségére
The article focuses on the pastoral centre in eastern Slovakia that honours the beatified teenager Anka Kolesárová, who was killed in 1944 when she refused to have sex with a Red Army soldier. The text describes a pilgrimage where participants, mainly young Catholics, are dedicated to spiritual formation and the ideals of chastity.
by Lucia Rončíková
first published by Kapitál under the title Ako sa stať svätou. Reportáž o Domčeku Anky Kolesárovej
The text examines the development of ski recreation in the Spiš region of Slovakia. Through personal experiences and interviews, the author describes the transformation of skiing from a mass, local activity to an increasingly inaccessible and centralised sport. The text highlights the decline of small ski resorts due to climate change, generational change and changing economic conditions, contrasting the golden days of the past with an uncertain future.
by Katarína Pirháčová
first published by Kapitál under the title Politiky snehu:o dejinách a budúcnosti lyžiarskej rekreácie
Protests and opposition to the rule of current President Erdogan continue in Istanbul. How do local students, who have been at the forefront from the beginning, view the current situation?
by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title Reportáž z protestů v Istanbulu (část 2.)
A report from Saturday's protest Prague is feminist, which blocked the path of the „Movement pro Life“ parade. An evaluation of the event and a short interview were provided by Amnesty International's Activism Coordinator Žaneta Sladká.
by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title Reportáž z protestu Praha je feministická
In February 2023, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbergpledgedcontinued support for Ukraine “for as long as it takes.” At the time, Norwegian director Tommy Gulliksen had already been working for a month onFacing War, a political documentary about Stoltenberg’s role in preserving the unity of the alliance. On the NARA podcast, Tommy reflects on the fast-paced production process and NATO’s role in 2025.
The Hungarian parliament passed an amendment restricting the rights of LGBT+ people, with 140 MPs voting in favor and only 21 against. Opposition to the amendment has driven thousands of protesters into the streets of Budapest.
by Laura Vassileva and Tobiáš Wagner
first published by revue Prostor under the title Reportáž z protestů v Budapešti
For a month now, the streets, universities, public transport and consumer markets in Istanbul and other Turkish cities have been filled with acts of civil disobedience. Under the auspices of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and with the support of hundreds of thousands of people across generations and social classes, protests have erupted, which have not only a political charge but also an undertone of a deeper existential anxiety about the state of the republic.
by Laura Vassileva
first published by revue Prostor under the title Reportáž z protestů v Istanbulu (část 1.)
