End-of-School Event – July 2024

This year, we hosted the Gattyán Foundation’s End-of-School Event, a special occasion designed to recognize and celebrate the achievements of children in state care who have demonstrated exceptional academic progress. Many young people living in children’s homes face numerous challenges in their studies, often lacking the long-term motivation to succeed. For this reason, we felt it was important to honor those who have overcome these obstacles with hard work and perseverance.

The event was held at the prestigious Normafa Hotel, where we aimed to offer both inspiration and unforgettable experiences for the children. Nearly 90 participants, aged 13 to 18, attended from 20 different children’s home centers across the country, accompanied by their chaperones.

We kicked off the day in the hotel’s impressive theater, where we introduced our new High School Scholarship Program, launching in September 2024. This initiative is designed to encourage and support students who are eager to continue their education at the high school level.

Following this, the Konnekt Association led career orientation workshops. In small-group sessions, the young people received practical advice on self-awareness and goal setting, which will serve them as they navigate their future paths.

After a shared lunch, the atmosphere shifted to one of inspiration with two motivational speeches. Actor Janó Balog, who grew up in a children’s home, delivered a heartfelt and entertaining talk about his life and experiences. Next, the well-known educator József Balatoni, affectionately known as “Jocó bácsi,” took the stage, sharing his own stories in a relatable and engaging manner. Both speakers connected deeply with the children, who listened intently, clearly moved by the speakers’ personal journeys.

The afternoon was filled with fun and relaxation at the hotel’s wellness area. With perfect beach weather, the children spent the remainder of the day enjoying the pool and hot tub. An energetic team kept everyone entertained with games, while refreshing pancakes and fruit were served poolside to complete the beach experience. Feedback from the

participants was overwhelmingly positive, and we were thrilled to see the children leave with beautiful memories of a truly special day.