One child one whole world

In Hungary, 23,000 children grow up in state care, often placed in institutions that lack sufficient emotional and social support. These already traumatized children face isolation and distrust, and without nurturing family background, they struggle to find stable housing, education and employment, leading to high rates of homelessness when they have to leave children’s home.

The fundamental aim is to develop long-term, trusting and personalised relationships with the children separated from their families. The methodology is based on five pillars, including mentoring opportunities, community-based programmes and an experiential pedagogical approach. All children receive unconditional acceptance, giving them the opportunity to become healthy adults and integrate into society. Close partnerships with 5 children's homes ensure children who are placed there, can participate in the programmes on a continuous basis based on their needs.

Professional staff collaborate with dedicated volunteers and specialized external facilitators to implement the comprehensive program. Five associate mentors join with program leaders, coordinators, and professional instructors to form the core operational team. Program delivery expands through fifty volunteer storytellers and youth trainers who support various activities including summer camps and regular club sessions. Expert guidance supplements the volunteer-driven structure, maintaining consistent relationships with participating children.

Project pillars have therapeutic effect, providing children with real opportunities for a happy and independent future through stable and reliable relationships. On average, the Foundation holds a child's hand for 10 years, supporting also their social integration. Program sustainability strengthens when former participants return as youth trainers, creating a powerful cycle of mentorship that empowers successive generations of children in care.

Individual growth and positive development take precedence over critiquing systemic deficiencies in the child protection framework. Organizations serving similar populations benefit from the pioneering methodological approaches developed through this initiative. Communication campaigns emphasize relationship-building while raising awareness about children in state care. Knowledge sharing extends the project's influence as expertise reaches other entities working with vulnerable youth, stimulating broader social awareness and responsive action.