Summer is always a special time for us: not only does online mentoring continue, but we also have the opportunity to meet in person with the children we accompany digitally during the school year. In the summer of 2023, we organized six sessions in Fonyód for Roma children living in the refugee shelter, supported by Romaversitas. These days were enriched by the help of high school and university student mentors from Budapest, creating genuine encounters and lasting experiences.

Who supported us, who did we work with?

In addition to the 21st Century Pedagogy Foundation (E-tanoda), two dedicated partner organizations actively participated in the work at the refugee shelter of the Budapest Roma Educational and Cultural Center (FROKK) in Fonyód: Működők Egyesület and NestingPlay Kft: the latter builds educational community hubs where not only children but also parents, teachers, and the local community are involved. This approach was also present in Fonyód: including the families living in the shelter became an important part of the program. Működők Egyesület is committed to social justice and Roma integration, supporting children and their families in their daily lives locally.

At E-tanoda, we took on the coordination of the program, as well as the preparation and supervision of the mentors, ensuring that shared experiences were supported by professional guidance. We were also responsible for the overall implementation.

How did the summer go?

Through the supported programs, the children took part in skill-developing and creative workshops, where they had the chance to gain new experiences. Each session had its own special theme:

Before each session, we held preparatory and supervisory meetings for the mentors, supporting not only the children’s development but also the mentors’ growth as group leaders.

The shared days were always more than simple workshops: we ate, talked, and laughed together. The women living in the shelter often went shopping days in advance and prepared just as eagerly for the sessions as the children – the camp gradually turned into a celebration for the whole community.

The final products were short films, posters, and small publications, which we closed with an exhibition. The central theme was “Home”, which helped participants process and share their own stories. One of the short films can be viewed below.

What changed in the children?

Over the summer, we witnessed remarkable progress:

• At the first session, the children became tired after 25–30 minutes of concentration, but by the end of the summer they were able to work quietly and attentively for 2–3 hours – drawing, filming, editing, and discussing.
• The number of conflicts and arguments significantly decreased, and the shared experiences brought the group closer together.
• Although their verbal expressive skills were limited, they were able to tell rich stories through visual and creative tools. This creative self-expression opened the door for them to the world of storytelling.

It was especially rewarding to see parents becoming more and more engaged: at the closing event, they celebrated their children’s work together, and the program ended with a family volleyball match – where, to our surprise, the parents also joined in.

Friendships and shared journeys

One of the most touching outcomes was the real friendships formed between mentors and mentees. One mentor from Budapest even invited a boy and his siblings to spend a day with their family in the city at the end of the summer. This gesture went beyond the camp itself: the children truly felt that they mattered and that they belonged somewhere.

What do we take with us?

The summer camp showed us that storytelling, visual expression, and peer mentoring together can have an incredibly powerful impact on children. The method faces little resistance and allows children to process their experiences and emotions.

The organizations that won the grant with us this year:

• Somnakuno Drom Roma Women’s Civil Association
• XXI. Century Roma Women’s Association
• E-tanoda – 21st Century Pedagogy Foundation
• The Foundation for Global Human Dignity
• Kis Bocs Baba-Mama Public Benefit Association
• Bódva Valley Public Life Roma Women’s Association