Visiting Children’s Homes – Veszprém County Child Protection Center, Primary School, Vocational School, and Development School – July 2022

In July 2022, we had the privilege of personally visiting the children at the Veszprém County Child Protection Center to deliver our donation. The visit took place at the Eszterházy György Children’s Home, located in the picturesque village of Bakonyoszlop. Located within a large and beautiful estate, the castle that now houses the Children’s Home once belonged to the esteemed Eszterházy family. Since 1943, the Bakonyoszlop Primary School and Children’s Home has operated as a combined educational and child protection facility. The history of this institution is rooted in compassion and community care. In 1943, two philanthropists from Budapest established a charity, acquiring the castle, its park, and part of the surrounding land to provide care and education for orphaned girls. Initially, the institution catered exclusively to girls, but it later opened its doors to orphaned boys as well. Over the decades, the facility evolved, at various times serving as a home for older boys, a retreat, and, since 1973, a center primarily for individuals with disabilities. In 1995, the first coeducational groups were introduced, expanding the scope of the institution’s mission and its range of services. The Inner School, located within the castle’s grounds, has been an integral part of the institution since its founding, offering education and specialized development for children with disabilities. Vocational students gain practical experience in gardening and park maintenance, applying their skills in the castle’s expansive two-hectare garden.

Today, the castle is home to four residential groups, three of which are currently active. During our visit, the institution’s leadership graciously guided us through the facility and thoughtfully distributed the donated items across their various units to ensure that all could benefit. Our main objective was to inspire the children to spend more time outdoors and fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the garden. To that end, we donated a range of outdoor equipment, including grills, scooters, soccer goals, a basketball hoop, an umbrella, nest swings, wooden swings, a trampoline, picnic tables, and ping-pong tables. Additionally, to support the daily operations of the institution, we provided a dryer, four laptops, a new television, and a gas lawnmower. We hope that these donations will bring the children joy and enhance their outdoor experiences, whether they are playing sports, spending time together in the garden, or enjoying a barbecue. It is our sincere wish that these contributions help create many happy memories for the children and staff alike.