The catch-up school has started in the Refugee Center

Our joint project with UNICEF, School to Succes, can be a milestone for young refugees from Transcarpathia.

After the nearly two-week break, it's time to study again! Our school catch-up program has begun, where children can study in 4 school classes and a kindergarten group. A total of 53 junior students and 14 kindergarteners can start the school year here, in the classrooms set up in the Refugee Center. The classes made of 13-15 people, so the teachers can devote much more time to each child. For now, education takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the morning, but later on, kids will receive education every weekday.

Currently there are mixed groups. The teachers are still getting to know the students and are assessing who is at what level, so they will later assign the groups with this in mind. The summer education was a huge step forward, but more young people joined the school, so a level assessment is definitely necessary. According to the plans, the final classes will be formed by November, after which the students will get to know different subjects.

Although school only started this week, the teachers have already noticed some promising students. One of the young people, for example, knew the poems of Sándor Weöres. He is already 16 years old, so he does not have to go to school, but the teachers don't want him to drop out, so they are thinking about how to place the enthusiastic student in a local vocational school.

Attila Lénárt-Muszka, the director of School to success, spoke very positively after the first few days.

"I noticed that the children have a great thirst for knowledge and are very hungry for love. They need feedback and recognition."

Attila said that they want to motivate these seedlings. Students will be encouraged to engage in active, useful activities with a soon-to-be-launched creative competition. Karácsony Sándor Primary School announces a drawing competition, in the framework of which the children have to make a drawing on the theme of their favorite folk tale. Apprentices of the School to Success can also apply with their creations. Those who do not register for the competition make drawings, and we hold an exhibition of them here at the campsite.

The school started only a few days ago, but the residents have already accepted the teachers.

"They are very direct not only with each other but also with adults. When I come to work in the morning, I hear someone calling after me - Director, how are you? And another little boy told me this - Then we are now friends!"- This is how Attila Lénárt-Muszka remembers the past days.

We look to the future with hope, we trust that during the coming academic year the students will receive the level of knowledge that will enable them to continue their studies in a local educational institution.