Assistance In Taking the First Steps

In January 2012 seven students arrived in Hungary from Afghanistan with the help of the scholarship education program of the Ministry of National Resources (MNR). The students had been selected within a very serious, multiple-level entrance examination system in the town of Pol-e Khumri, where the soldiers of the HUN PRT are deployed. The HUN PRT contributed to the events of the application procedure and supported their safe conduct, while a delegation of experts from the MNR selected the applicants and held the entrance examinations. Within the program, currently 24 Afghan students are pursuing their studies in Hungary in various institutions of higher education.

The young Afghans are familiarizing themselves with the Hungarian language and the system of higher education in Hungary for a year. Then they will specialize according to their plans and abilities to obtain a degree in civil engineering, medicine or agricultural engineering. The group of seven students includes two girls studying in Hungary, which symbolizes the change of Afghan attitude and the opening towards Europe.

Present in 19 countries, the Balassi Institute is responsible for introducing (universal) Hungarian culture in Hungary and abroad. Thanks to its multicultural character, the college forms a bridge between nations and cultures, so it can help the students learn more about the language and values of Hungary.

Attila Végh, the leader of the college said that “the Balassi Institute assists the students in taking the first steps". On their first introductory visit, the soldiers of the HDF CMCPOC met the director of the institute. They discussed some current issues and the soldiers offered their further assistance, as 1st Lt. Hajnalka Szűcs Vida has been mentoring the foreign students in Hungary from the outset, who are busy practicing Hungarian, some of them already speaking it on conversational level.

At the meeting the students received a package of sanitary supplies and school equipment, which comprises donations from the commandant of the HDF CMCPOC and the soldiers of the units stationed in the Salgótarján St. building.

(Hungarian Defence Forces Civil-Military Cooperation and Psychological Operations Center)