Gattyán Foundation’s Recreational and Industry Conference – Budapest, November 6-8, 2023

In early November, we hosted our second annual Recreational and Industry Conference for professionals working in childcare facilities. Our goals remained the same: to provide these dedicated workers with a chance to relax, set aside the daily challenges of their roles, and participate in educational seminars relevant to their field.

The conference took place at the Normafa Club House, owned by the Docler Holding group, which provided a relaxing and exclusive setting. Feedback from attendees indicated that the environment was greatly appreciated, and many enjoyed the amenities available throughout the event.

Nearly 90 participants from 25 child protection and childcare centers across Hungary attended. To maximize the impact, we requested that institutions select different staff members than last year, ensuring more childcare workers could benefit from the conference.

Although attendees represented diverse regions, many challenges in professional care are universal, transcending geography. To address these, our professional program focused on key areas such as learning difficulties, social integration, and sexual education, with respected experts leading each session.

The conference began with a presentation by Nóra L. Ritók, founder and director of the Igazgyöngy Foundation, on “Opportunities for Family Care and Community Development for Disadvantaged Children.” With over 20 years of experience, Nóra offered a grounded and insightful perspective on the topic, laying a solid foundation for the day’s discussions. She was followed by Dr. Klára Gulyás, a lecturer at Sárospataki Reformed Theological Academy and professor at the University of Tokaj-Hegyalja. Dr. Gulyás addressed segregation and exclusion in the Hungarian education system, sharing findings from her extensive research on learning integration for Roma children. To close the first day, Dr. Éva Gyarmathy, a university professor and clinical psychologist, presented on creating an understanding, development-focused environment, offering both a comprehensive view of the challenges and practical solutions. After a day of intensive learning, participants relaxed during an evening wellness session, allowing them to unwind and informally connect with peers.

Day two centered on sexual education, particularly for young people in professional care. Dr. Szilvia Gyurkó, founder of the Hintalovon Foundation and an expert in child rights, led a presentation rich with insights. Following her session, three workshops, each with 30 attendees, allowed participants to engage deeply with the topic. Led by Dr. Gyurkó and her team of SexEd psychologists, the workshops offered a hands-on approach to further exploring this critical area.

Participants then enjoyed a wellness break, with optional yoga and meditation sessions for added relaxation. The day’s final session, led by Dr. Andrea Rácz, a lecturer at the ELTE Faculty of Social Work, focused on innovations in child protection and service-oriented developments. This talk presented fresh perspectives and potential solutions to address common challenges within the field.

A highlight of the conference was the Gattyán Foundation Outstanding Child Protection Worker Award, recognizing five exemplary professionals nominated by their institutions. Each award recipient received a 100,000 Forint cash prize in a ceremony filled with heartfelt moments, followed by a celebratory evening event.

We concluded the conference with a professional roundtable on the final day, providing a valuable forum for exchanging best practices and discussing key professional topics in an open, collaborative setting.

We are thrilled that so many could attend this year’s conference and gratified by the positive feedback. We hope the knowledge and experiences shared over these three days will inspire and energize participants, equipping them with renewed motivation for the impactful work they do every day.