End-of-School-Year Celebration 2025

Following the success of last year’s event, we once again held our Foundation’s End-of-School-Year Celebration to reward children’s home residents who worked diligently throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. We consider it especially important that disadvantaged children who persevere despite difficulties and strive to achieve as much as possible receive recognition that can encourage and motivate them in the future.

This year, the event was extended to two days, allowing for a richer program and giving the young participants more time to enjoy all the advantages offered by the Normafa Hotel, which served as the venue. A total of 90 children from various children’s home centers across the country attended, primarily from the 12–18 age group.

The first day began with career orientation workshops led by the Konnekt Association, who worked with the young participants in three small groups. These sessions helped the children not only move closer to achieving their goals but also gain deeper self-awareness.
We were fortunate with the weather, so after lunch the pool party could begin. Throughout the afternoon, the children enjoyed the hotel’s entire wellness area, accompanied by an animator. Those interested could also try special yoga and relaxation sessions. Naturally, snacks matching the summer atmosphere were provided—ice cream, crepes, and fresh fruit.

The evening program continued after dinner: following a surprise raffle, a communal movie screening began, complete with popcorn for everyone.

The second day started with three motivational talks that were clearly very well received by the participants.
First, István László Czikora, opera singer and music therapist—who himself grew up in state care—spoke about his life and journey. True to his profession, he invited the audience to sing with him at several moments, creating a joyful atmosphere right from the start.
He was followed by Alex Galamb, now one of the country’s best-known bakers, who has long been committed to serving the Roma community where he continues to live. Alex spoke openly about his experiences and how he ended up in a children’s home, which allowed him to connect deeply with the young audience and make a strong impact.
The morning concluded with musician Vilmos Lakatos, who comes from a traditional Roma musical family. His life story also offered many lessons for the teenagers, emphasizing learning, humility, and the importance of building one’s life on multiple foundations.

After lunch, participants had the chance to relax once more in the wellness area, bringing this rich and eventful program to a close.