The Márton Áron scholarship program for young people of Hungarian origin in the diaspora brings together those who wish to put their resources at the service of creativity.Continue reading
Weekend schools serve as pillars of Hungarian communities, integrating parents and children alike, noted János Árpád Potápi, Secretary of State for National Policy of the Prime Minister’s Office, on the M1 news channel’s Monday morning program.
Mr. Potápi underscored the crucial role of these schools in preserving children’s identity, a goal supported by the government through professional assistance and grants. While these contributions may seem modest, they are essential for the survival of associations or weekend schools, especially in regions with limited attendance.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to assisting Hungarian students from the diaspora, extending support to neighboring countries like Austria and Germany to help students pass Hungarian graduation exams.
The Secretary of State discussed the success of the recent HUF 500M (EUR 1,2M)tender for organizing events for weekend schools, emphasizing the overwhelming response with nearly HUF 1B (EUR 2.5M) in applications.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting all schools, associations, and communities, providing assistance for priority events and organizing professional meetings globally.
Moreover, Mr. Potápi highlighted the Sándor Kőrösi Csoma program, where scholarship holders have been aiding weekend schools since 2013, along with upcoming summer camps and open universities. These activities not only offer entertainment but also provide opportunities for youth to interact with public figures and politicians.
The government’s support extends to the Rákóczi Association‘s diaspora program, offering ten terms throughout the year for Hungarian youth and educators.
Regarding the seventh Hungarian Weekend Schools Meeting, Árpád János Potápi mentioned the presence of approximately 260 such educational institutions worldwide, including recently established schools in Singapore, Tokyo, and Sofia.
These schools play a vital role in teaching Hungarian language, spelling, history, and cultural heritage, as well as preserving traditions through ethnographic events and holiday celebrations.
The Secretary of State concluded by highlighting the significant turnout at the Hungarian Weekend Schools Meeting in Budapest, with attendees from various locations, including Oakland, California, showcasing the global reach and impact of these educational initiatives.
Via MTI; Featured Image: Facebook / Nemzetpolitikai Államtitkárság