The essence of the diaspora program of the Rákóczi Association is to bring young Hungarians from the diaspora home to Hungary and the Carpathian Basin, so that they can learn about Hungarian history, culture and landscape, thereby significantly strengthening the young people's Hungarian identity, patriotism and attachment to Hungarianness.
You can also apply for the Rákóczi Association's diaspora program this year, which is implemented with the support of the Hungarian government, said János Árpád Potápi, the State Secretary responsible for national policy at the Prime Minister's Office, at a press conference on Monday in Budapest.
The state secretary reminded: the diaspora program started in 2016 in cooperation with the Rákóczi Association.
The essence of the program, he said, is to bring young Hungarians from the diaspora home to Hungary and the Carpathian Basin, so that they can learn about Hungarian history, culture and landscape. He emphasized that the program can significantly strengthen young people's Hungarian identity, their patriotism and their attachment to being Hungarian.
The state secretary for national politics indicated that 2,300-2,400 young people have participated in the various events since the start. The program had to be suspended due to the Covid epidemic, but they were able to start it again last year.
János Árpád Potápi expressed his hope that as many people as possible would apply for the program and be able to fill the announced number of thousands.
Csáky Csongor , the president of the Rákóczi Association, said that young people between the ages of 10 and 25 living in the diaspora can submit their application electronically on the organization's website from February 6 to March 15. Those interested can choose from ten programs, the first being the Csíksomlyó farewell. who chooses this, can go on a farewell pilgrimage with 300 young Hungarians from Hungary and abroad. In addition, young people are also invited to summer camps at Sátoraljaújhely.
Among the conditions, the president mentioned that a foreign diaspora organization must issue a certificate or letter of recommendation stating that the young person has been connected to the Hungarian community and activities for at least one year.
A motivation letter written by young people is also a condition for application.
He indicated: five minors can be accompanied by an adult companion who can be a parent, teacher or community member.
This year, the program also offers the opportunity for teachers and trainers working in weekend Hungarian schools and Hungarian communities to participate in the all-Hungarian teacher's camp in July.
Csongor Csáky recalled, the Hungarian Diaspora Council in Hátártalanul! program, he formulated his request to the Hungarian government to launch a program specifically aimed at the diaspora.
Last year, almost five hundred people took part in the events, and based on the feedback, it can be said that the program has a great impact on the lives of young people, on whom the home communities can count on even more after our return, he pointed out.
MTI
Front page photo: János Árpád Potápi, State Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office responsible for national policy (b) and Csongor Csáky, President of the Rákóczi Association at a press conference on the association's diaspora program at the organization's head office in Budapest on February 6, 2023. MTI/Zsolt Szigetváry
