Community Development Grant 2024 – “Let My Little Garden Grow – Active Around the House!”

This summer, we were able to visit one of the winners of last year’s Community Development Grant, as they implemented a project whose results could best be appreciated in good weather. One of the rural sites of the Budapest-based Kossuth Lajos Children’s Home Center and Primary School is located in Bócsa, where two special care homes operate. Each home accommodates eight boys aged 12–18 with special needs who show severe psychological or dissocial symptoms or struggle with substance use issues. The homes are situated next to each other on a several-hectare property, in isolation from the outside world in a rural, farm-like environment.

The unique setup of the homes—thanks to their surroundings—allows the staff to focus on work-based education, supporting the intellectual and emotional development of the young people, strengthening their work abilities, and cultivating responsibility, character, and resilience. Additionally, their lifestyle programs aim to guide the boys toward a life free of deviance and substance use.

Through the grant, the institution requested gardening and agricultural tools, which enabled them to organize biweekly group sessions for the youth living on the property. The goals of these sessions were to expand the boys’ agricultural knowledge, develop their cooperation skills, and offer meaningful leisure activities. Moreover, completing responsible tasks carries therapeutic value and equips the boys with practical knowledge that will benefit them even after they leave the system. The environment of the children’s home is ideal for teaching both theoretical and practical skills related to vegetable and fruit cultivation as well as animal care.

According to the home’s director, each session began with a discussion circle in which the boys received detailed information about the tasks ahead and the tools needed to carry them out. The boys enjoyed the work and gained tangible experiences of success as a result of completing their responsibilities well. The shared tasks and collective responsibility also had a very positive impact on the community as a whole.

During our June visit, we were able to tour the entire property and gain insight into their daily routines. It was truly impressive to witness the dedication of the director and staff—not only to the lives and development of the boys, but also to the demanding upkeep and management of the large estate.