Experience Grant 2024 – “Transylvanian Dream” Holiday

This summer, we launched our 2024 Experience Grant, dedicated to providing children living in state care with enriching, high-quality holiday experiences.

The first group to benefit from this year’s grant was from the Sztehlo Gábor Integrated Social and Child Protection Institution in Budapest. Their long-awaited holiday took place in early July, with 20 children and 5 guardians embarking on a memorable journey to Transylvania. The group’s base was in the picturesque village of Csíkmadara, where the staff went above and beyond to secure authentic accommodations that allowed the children to immerse themselves in the heart of Transylvanian culture. It was a place that seemed untouched by time;log cabins, horse-drawn carts, babbling brooks, and the warmth of the locals, who greeted the visitors with unmatched hospitality.

The adventure began with a visit to the Szent László Child Protection Center and Equestrian School in Csíkszentimre. What was initially planned as a brief stop turned into an entire day, as the exchange proved so meaningful and successful.

The group’s itinerary was filled with exciting experiences, from exploring the Parajd salt mine and the scenic Red Lake to discovering the Bicăș Gorge and the historic Rákóczi Castle. One of the highlights was a visit to the Csíki Chips factory, where the children were delighted to leave with plenty of chips as souvenirs.

With beautiful weather on their side, the group set off on a memorable exploration of the mountain pastures on their last day. Despite their city roots, the children embraced the 14-kilometer round trip, with ages ranging from 5 to 19. In the Transylvanian highlands, even gathering twigs for a campfire seemed like an adventure, and the homemade treats they prepared were a huge hit among the group.

According to their feedback, the children had an unforgettable holiday experience that will stay with them as a cherished memory for years to come.