Godparent programme at the Bethlen Gábor School in Nagyenyed

This tradition is the frame for the newly established Godparent programme through which the donors can contribute to the schooling of a student of their choosing. The programme also provides opportunities for the student and the donor to develop a personal relationship so the contribution looks beyond the financial boundaries because the godparent can have an active role in the development of the student. The programme is set to begin in the 2010-2011 school year.

Mrs. Szőcs Ildikó, principle of the Bethlen Gábor School said the following: „The future of our school lies in attracting many boarding-school students so the school can become a centre for Hungarian culture in the Diaspora. If the school survives and continues to raise talented young people than the Hungarians in the Diaspora will also survive and can be proud of their origins. The godparent programme aid us in these efforts, the patrons of the programme also contribute to the survival and development of our school.”

Mr. Sógor Csaba, member of the European Parliament is amongst the „godparents”. As he admits, he became a godparent due to the fact that we need to take care of our most prized possession, knowledge and only native language education can effectively convey this to the next generations. „Voluntarism and charity are an essential part of European life, both of these have contributed to the development of the Western-European lifestyle. We must support these initiatives so that we inspire other to do the same through our Christian example” – said the MEP.