Visiting Children’s Homes – II. Rákóczi Ferenc Children’s Home – July 2022

In July, we had the pleasure of visiting the II. Rákóczi Ferenc Children’s Home, located in the idyllic town of Fonyód on the shores of Lake Balaton. The home provides a truly unique environment for children, offering them the chance to grow up surrounded by the beauty of the lake, which undoubtedly enriches their lives with memorable experiences. The facility consists of five buildings and accommodates up to 40 children. Four groups are children aged 3 to 18, while one group supports young adults in aftercare services. Each summer, the home also hosts groups from other children’s homes for exchange holidays, fostering a sense of community and connection.

The institution has a long and storied history. Originally opened in 1843 as the Josephinum Boys’ Orphanage in Pest, it was founded in honor of Archduke Joseph’s recovery from illness. By 1925, under the name Joseph Orphanage, the institution built a summer retreat in Alsóbélatelep. During World War II, it temporarily served as a military hospital, but by 1945, it returned to its original purpose. On October 15, 1949, with the efforts of Lipót Nemes and Anna Fazekas, the children’s home network expanded, and a foster home was established in Alsóbélatelep.

In addition to supporting the children’s recreational activities, we aimed to address the practical needs of daily life through our donations to this historic institution. Our contributions included a complete audio system, two microphone sets, a four-person tent, eight laptops, several microwaves, kettles, kitchen appliances, magnetic boards, and a flip chart.