One child one whole world

In Hungary 23000, every 69th child grows up in state care. Most of them are placed in institutions that cannot provide sufficient loving care, hugs, social and emotional security—all of which significantly impact their life prospects. These children, often severely traumatized, frequently struggle with isolation, distrust, and a lack of a clear vision for the future. Without a supportive and nurturing family background, they often get lost, lacking education, a profession, or stable housing, and quickly find themselves on the margins of the society. 20% of homeless individuals in Hungary have a background in state care, and 40% of youngsters exiting state care are unemployed. While 50% of the general population graduates from high school, this figure is only 25% among those from state care

Our core idea is that only through long-term, trusting, and personalized relationships can we provide meaningful support to children removed from their families. This approach allows them to receive tailored assistance, unconditional love, and a real chance for healthy adulthood and social integration. We have launched a project of five interconnected, trauma-informed, experiential and art pedagogy programs with therapeutic effects, employing professionals experienced in experiential education and working with disadvantaged youth. We maintain long-term partnerships with five children’s homes, ensuring that every child placed there becomes “Világszép” — can actively participate in any of our programs — and remains part of our community for life.

The planning and implementation of our programs involve professional staff, volunteers and external facilitators. Five associate mentors coordinate the mentoring program, overseeing 40 volunteer mentors while mentoring youth themselves. A program leader and coordinator manage our club activities, supported by 3 professional instructors and 3 volunteers. 50 volunteer storytellers participate in our storytelling program, coordinated by a professional staff member. These 8 experts organize and oversee our summer camps in Paloznak with the help of additional volunteers and facilitators. Our kindergarten has 11 employees working in 3 groups.

Our program pillars have therapeutic effects, offering real chance for an independent, happy life through giving positive experiences and predictable, stable, long-term relationships tailored to each child’s needs. We therefore work with a trauma-informed methodology, but not with a therapeutic aim. We are present in their lives at all times of the year – while adapting to their needs. We offer different options for connection in small groups and/or individually, depending on age and life situation. Former participants can return as youth trainers to support younger peers. Our professional team’s work is unique as well: in addition to implementing programmes and mentoring, coordinating volunteers, they hold case meetings, follow up children on an ongoing basis and take part in supervision.

We focus not primarily on the deficiencies and problems of the child protection system but on creating positive changes at an individual level in the lives of children entering the system. This is also the core of our communication, with a strong emphasis on social awareness-raising in our campaigns. In recent years, we have increasingly shared our professional expertise with other organizations. Our developed pioneering methodology for supporting children in state care can provide useful insights to many other organisations and even to the broader child protection system.