May has arrived, which means that we are in for a very busy and eventful period, as in previous years, we are preparing for Children's Day with a number of programmes and special activities. In its daily work, our Foundation has for years been placing increasing emphasis on improving the quality of life of children, young people and their families, and trying to contribute in every possible way to the healthy physical, mental and moral development of the rising generation.
Events in Budapest
Our model family support programme, developed jointly with the Óbuda-Békásmegyer Municipality and operated since 2009, currently has the capacity to provide services to 600 people (adults and children) in the district, five days a week. Throughout the year, we regularly organise special food, gift and clothing distributions for major holidays to help families and their children living in deprivation to enjoy the festive season. This year, for the second time, we are preparing a large-scale programme in the III district to celebrate the May Day holiday. In addition to colourful craft activities, there will be a balloon clown, a magic show, a storyteller, a fire engine, a live Indian music show, face painting and a sweet tasting. Balázs Bús, the mayor of the district, will also be present, and the local government will be represented by the locally founded Association for the Alliance of Óbuda.
This year we will also organise our traditional cultural programme for the children with disabilities of the Special Educational and Developmental Institution of the XVIII District. We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the institution, which cares for nearly 200 children with disabilities, and we are returning guests every Christmas and Children's Day. It is an occasion where the whole day is about playing, laughing and having fun. In addition to games and activities, we treat the families to a rich gift bag and delicious sweets.
Rural actions
Staff at our Pécs site will prepare 20-20 gift packs containing non-perishable food, fruit and sweets for the students of two local schools - Pécs Physical Education Primary School and Secondary School, Sports School (TÁSI) and Gandhi High School - which will be delivered to the institutions at the end of the month. The parcels will be taken home by students from the families most in need.
At our Debrecen site, which also organises regular food distributions, children will be the main focus on 26 May. In addition to providing hot meals, our staff will treat the children with toys and books, as well as fun activities - a playhouse, face painting - and sweets. Our service in the city of Debrecen is also run with local cooperation.
Working together for the future generation
We are pleased that we are now able to organise and run our programmes with the help of a large number of volunteers and with the support of many individual entrepreneurs and companies. This partnership is a great example for all those who want to help children in families in crisis due to the deepening economic crisis. Unfortunately, the current adverse economic and labour market environment is pushing more and more middle-class families into a situation where the everyday problems of making a living are preventing children from having a peaceful education, learning and balanced development. The future generation's level of education and the development of cultured habits of behaviour are not only a matter for families, but a shared responsibility.
We hope that by working together we can make Children's Day a truly memorable and enriching experience for many, many children!
The programme is supported by:
Zelt Kft, Tűzkerék Kft, Mobiltoalett Kft, NT Kft, Fornetti,
PA-COMP Kft, Óbuda Public Area Inspectorate
