Christmas Made Easier for Children in State Care

MTI-Hungary Today 2023.12.20.

Cooperation and collaboration have been established behind child protection, making the situation of those living in state care easier, the Secretary of State for Welfare Policy of the Ministry of Interior said in Szeged (southern Hungary).

Attila Fülöp, speaking at a Christmas party for people in child protection care, stressed that when the Ágota Foundation was launched, it was not clear that many social actors were behind the community.

Today, there are strong business associations that feel obliged to help those who are lacking something,”

he emphasized.

As an example, the Secretary of State noted that

thanks to the cooperation of 17,000 ministry employees, almost 7,000 young people living in residential institutions received personalized Christmas presents.

Fülöp asked the 1,000 children present at the celebration to believe that they had the support of a community that mattered. The politician advised the young people to always trust in themselves and their helpers.

László Kiss-Rigó, Bishop of Szeged-Csanád, pointed out that in the days leading up to Christmas this year, there is a serious war raging in two parts of the world. “We think in solidarity with those who are suffering,” he added.

Around a thousand children in foster care or in residential care from 13 counties came to the national celebrations organized by the Ágota Foundation and the Saint Ágota Child Protection Service.

Thanks to more than fifty supporters, the children received personalized Christmas presents. Each of the 6,000 children cared for by the service will receive their own gift, while those who were not present at the ceremony will be given a surprise by their foster parents. At the ceremony, the organization’s staff and volunteers received awards.

Fact

The Ágota Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that started its operation on December 6, 1996, with the help of enthusiastic volunteers. The primary objective of the foundation is to provide professional, moral, material, and programmatic support to children and young people. They support the development of child protection through specific methodologies, expert advice and training throughout the country. Moreover, the organization supports children directly through experiential programs and individual assistance.

One of the most important events is the ÁGOTA Camp, organized every summer with the participation of young people (500 to 1,000 participants). This 10-day meeting is the culmination of our year-long work. Every year since 1997, the camp has offered children the opportunity to relax, experience unconditional acceptance, and to experience a sense of community.

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Via MTI, Featured image via MTI/Lehoczky Péter