Warm Regards to Our RCBC Members and Friends!
Delve into the September edition of our cherished monthly newsletter. This edition elegantly encapsulates a myriad of dynamic events, accomplishments, and spirited activities that have illuminated our club over the past month. With captivating meetings, insightful discussions, imaginative showcases, and heartfelt community engagements, the Rotary Club of Budapest City continues to cultivate an enriching atmosphere where our esteemed members can learn, unite, and make a difference. Join us in celebrating another month of Rotary excellence!
Ukrainian School Opening Ceremony
On 1st of September, heralds a significant milestone in our unyielding commitment to education and service. Overflowing with pride and gratitude, we celebrate the opening of the Ukrainian School in Budapest—a radiant beacon of hope for countless Ukrainian refugee children.
In February 2022, the unsettling tides of war brought many Ukrainian kids across the Hungarian border. Recognizing this immediate need for a Ukrainian School in Budapest, the Rotary Club Budapest-City, in alliance with two Rotary Districts, six esteemed Rotary clubs, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Crowne Plaza Budapest, and the Rotaract Budapest International, united to bring this vision to life.
Funds raised: HUF 21.8 million
Resources acquired:
7 school boards, 6 smart boards, 2 advanced projectors, 120 chairs, 60 school tables, 17 spacious school wardrobes.
Pooling our collective resources and spirit, we amassed HUF 21.8 million, birthing a state-of-the-art educational centre for 130 Ukrainian refugee students from grades 5-11 and an additional 60 enthusiastic pre-schoolers. Nestled in Hungary's vibrant core, this institution signifies more than brick and mortar—it exemplifies an amalgamation of cultures, symbolizing the unmatched strength of unity and endless potential. This summer, our students dived deep into enriching activities, mastering new languages, forging lifelong friendships, and much more.
Looking forward, our vision broadens. Our goal? To have 700 Ukrainian kids studying in our school by next academic year. We're not only supporting education, but also building bridges, healing past wounds, and crafting a brighter future.
Boundless thanks to all our sponsors and collaborators, prominently our District Governor Mrs Erzsébet Kovácsné Gila and Past District Governors Mr László Réti and Mr Frici Németh, Rotary Hungary District 1911, Rotary Utah District 5420, Rotary Club Budapest-City, Rotary Club Budapest-Center, Rotary Club Kingston, Rotary Club Moab, Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek, Rotary Club Scottsdale, Rotaract Club Budapest International, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Crowne Plaza Budapest and the Ukrainian School representatives, Olena and Serhiy. A special nod to the Rotary Club Budapest City's Task Force Team: Henning, Iulian, Tatjana and Viktória.
Gift of Smile District Project (kindergarten)
Starting dental care routines in early childhood, particularly in nursery schools, is pivotal for numerous reasons. Not only does it establish positive habits from the early age, but it also wards off early childhood cavities that can influence future permanent teeth. Familiarizing children with regular tooth brushing in a nursery environment makes it a normal part of their day, increasing the chances they'll maintain this routine throughout their lives. Plus, initiating dental care early sets the stage for lifelong oral health, averting expensive and agonizing dental problems down the road. Championing these foundational practices is vital—it underscores the profound role dental health plays in overall wellness and fosters a lifetime of robust dental habits.
With the support of Szolnok-Tisza Rotary Club, in summer 2023, Rotary Club Budapest-City donated 600 Elmex toothpaste tubes to the children of two kindergartens (Katica és Pitypang óvodák) in Budapest's 8th district.
Big thanks to our Rotarian Aswin, Tatiana and Viktoria for their help in the project.
🦷 District Project 🦷 Gift of Smile
Here are some pictures of adorable kids trying out the toothpaste.
More Highlights from August
During this summer, Ms. Viktória Vita Griessmüller, our President, was honoured with a certificate of distinction by Mr. László Réti, the District Governor 2022/2023.
On 13 August, we had the privilege of exploring the Hungarian National Gallery, where we were introduced to the captivating and surreal world of Lajos Gulácsy. His works, which seamlessly intertwine reality with dreams, position him as a significant Hungarian painter of the 20th century. One of his renowned pieces (our photo’s background) is the 10th most expensive Hungarian painting, valued at a staggering 120,000,000 forints (~$400,000). Thanks to Our Secretary Réti Tamas for his impeccable organisation of this event.
Thanks to Our member Gizella for meeting, Mr Girum Seifu, an esteemed Ethiopian Journalist and member from Rotary Club Of Addis Ababa Central Mella located in capital city of Ethiopia, has visited Budapest during World Athletics Championships in Budapest. We had a great conversation about making plans for both of our Rotary clubs organising events for the local artists and musicians, looks like they'd come to EU to have exhibitions/concerts and also manage to do the same for Hungarian artists/musicians to have the same in Ethiopia.
We'd like to express our gratitude to our past president, Kristof Kovács. With his help, his previous company, Kyndryl, organized a school supply gathering at their Budapest and Székesfehérvár locations and the supplies were generously donated to the Ukrainian School in Budapest for the benefit of the children.
On September 7th, Rotary Club Budapest-City enjoyed a friendly joint gathering with Rotaract Budapest International Club on Margaret Island, graced by the presence of our special guest, Rotarian Craig Simons from the United Kingdom.
Enjoy Rotary! See you in the next meeting!
Upcoming meetings:
12 September: Change of President Ceremony & Dinner Meeting at Crowne Plaza, 1062 Budapest, Váci út 1-3.
19 September: Ukrainian School Project - RCBC's Global Grant Initiative. Time: 7:00 PM (Online)
26 September: Fellowship Meeting. Time: 7:00 PM (Online)
3 October: Meeting at Alessandro's Home. Time: 7:00 PM.
Get in touch with us!
Ms. Viktoria Vita Griessmüller, President
griessmuller@gmail.com
Dr. Tamás Réti, Secretary
secretary@rc-budapest-city.hu
Mr. Aswin Acharya, Treasurer