School Starter Support for Disadvantaged Children – June 2025

For five years now, we have upheld the tradition of providing school starter backpack sets to incoming first graders in a small village in Békés County. We were delighted to continue this initiative again this year, and in early June we returned to Gesztre. At the end of the kindergarten’s lovely graduation ceremony, we presented six soon-to-be first graders with their backpacks, complete with accessories and school supplies. Fortunately, it seemed that the children were truly pleased with the sets selected to match their tastes.

It was also heartwarming to see how meaningful this event is for the residents of the small village of 700 people—families prepared thoughtful little surprises for each graduating child, making the celebration even more special.

After the ceremony, we had the opportunity to visit the village’s recently renovated landmark, the impressive Tisza Castle, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch together with the teachers and the mayor. Once again, this gave us a glimpse into the everyday life of this small community.