On 9 May, YMCA Thessaloniki brought the 18th edition of Play – Act – MotiON to life in the heart of the city, at the iconic waterfront near the White Tower.
More than 3,000 people passed through the event during the five-hour programme. Over 1,000 young people actively participated in workshops, games, and challenges, supported by a team of 150 volunteers, youth leaders, and staff.
Future of Work as the central theme
This year’s theme — Future of Work — shaped the entire programme. Young people explored artificial intelligence, technology, inclusion, and the skills needed in tomorrow’s labour market, through non-formal education methods designed to make complex topics accessible and engaging.
HP’s role: from Digital Hub to the city centre
HP’s presence at Play – Act – MotiON was not coincidental. YMCA Thessaloniki hosts one of the active HP-YMCA Digital Community Hubs — a dedicated space where young people develop digital skills through HP-supported resources and learning programmes.
On 9 May, that partnership moved into the public space. An HP representative was present on site, running a dedicated session where participants could engage through printable arts and crafts activities — a creative, accessible entry point into conversations about digital skills and the future of work.
This reflects HP’s broader strategic commitment within the YMCA Europe partnership: Future of Work readiness — equipping young people with the digital, entrepreneurial, and AI skills needed for a rapidly changing job market. With over 130 HP-YMCA Digital Hubs active in 22 countries, Thessaloniki is one of the programme’s established anchor points.
Part of a wider mission
YMCA Europe works with HP through its Digital Hubs programme to address a clear gap: 43% of EU students do not reach basic digital literacy levels. Events like Play – Act – MotiON translate that mission into direct community engagement — taking digital skills conversations beyond the hub and into public life.
