Bringing young people across Europe together to
Ned and Ari met on a project in Ireland. The topic was running a marathon but they ended up running Centería together instead. From one informal group to yearly projects across Europe.
Every project we create is built on three simple ideas.
Learning begins in motion. Through movement, adventure and shared experiences, we step outside our comfort zones and into new perspectives.
The strongest memories are made together. We bring people from different backgrounds and foster a safe space that allows for a genuine human connection.
Every one of our projects leaves you with something that lasts: new skills, greater confidence, and experiences that continue long after you return home.
You're more resourceful, more creative, and you learn faster in a good mood, so we pack our projects with fun and laughter.
Ned started Centería and still runs most of it. He's spent over a decade studying how people actually communicate, including two courses at the University of Toronto, and was vice-president of IYAC Bulgaria for many years. His teaching style is fun, light-hearted, and packed with practical value.
Ari is the glue that keeps our projects together. She's a telecommunications engineer who spent a year volunteering in Lithuania with the scouts at Skautų Slėnis, which turned out to be excellent training for running Centería's projects. When she's tired or overwhelmed, she goes out for a run. She's run marathons in several countries, from Spain to Greece all the way to Northern Ireland.
Ester is also a telecommunications engineer. She's an extrovert with a warm personality that brings great energy and positive vibes to our participants. She loves staying active, whether it's swimming, hiking, or even twerking, she's probably done it. Passionate about botany, Ester enjoys sharing her knowledge of local plants and teaching participants fascinating details as they explore the trails together. Fun fact: Ariana and Ester are sisters!
A PR and marketing student in Bulgaria, and a dance teacher. She joined Centería as a participant on Be Healthy, Be Fit, Be You and gradually became part of the team, helping with whatever's needed. Most of the time, she's the one sticking a phone in your face to catch the good moments for our socials.
We help young people and youth workers develop real-life skills: communication, self-awareness, healthy habits, and more. Our goal is to empower you to empower the world.
A Europe where every young person, whatever their background, has the chance to develop themselves, understand others, and take an active part in their community and in the wider European project.
People learn by doing, not by being lectured at. Everything is hands-on, so you leave with something you can use.
Spaces where people talk, listen, and connect face to face, across languages and cultures.
Mental and physical health as one picture: movement, mindfulness, and habits that help you feel steadier.
Opportunities shouldn't depend on where you're from or what you can afford. We watch out for who gets left out.
Solidarity, tolerance, and the freedom to learn and move across borders, put into practice every time.
We pick topics we're passionate about, so we can pass that passion on to our groups. Tap a project to see photos and download its toolkit.
We turn what works in our projects into toolkits any youth worker can pick up and use: the activities, sessions, and exercises we run, written up to take away. Free to download.
A few young people with youth-work experience start Centería as an informal group.
First project: Self-Development through Communication.
Registered as an NGO in Madrid.
Self-Development through Communication 2.
Be Healthy, Be Fit, Be You, in Cercedilla.
Mindful Moves for Mental Health.
Run with Style. Marathon training for a healthy mind and body.
Thinking of applying, running a youth organisation, or planning an Erasmus+ project? We're always up for partnering and being part of good initiatives. The fastest way to reach us is email.
Madrid, Spain · We work in English