Knowledge, Respect, Love and to Accept and to be Accepted

I participated in the Students Without Boundaries program Rakoczi Camp, in 1995, as a 15 year old student. Besides learning much more about Hungarian history and arts during those 17 days than I ever would have during school lectures, I also experienced something much more.

In order to lead a stable, well-balanced life, the SWB programme helped us to gain the confidence. There is no need to explain to us our own nationality, this is a complex part of our identity. There is a need, however, to encourage us to be able to accept this identity and remain proud of it. At the same time to be open to understanding other cultures. The SWB programme is providing excellent advocacy for humanity and tolerance while acknowledging the importance of one’s roots.

We are not alone. This was the other important massage of the camp. To meet other young people with similar life-circumstances as ours contributed greatly to our self-knowledge. All this has added to an overall belief in the goodness of humanity and the fact that there are well-meaning selfless individuals who help each year to fund and organize SWB. As I see it, there is more need for this programme than ever. Thank you!

Ilona Mikoczy, Slovakia

I returned home with only wonderful memories of the two-week program. I'm grateful and happy that I could be there, that I could take part in and learn many new experiences. And of course, the new friends - never have I had so many friends from outside of my country!

K. Tamas, Transylvania, Romania

I don't know all the wonderful people and organizations that helped put SWB together, but please pass on my special thanks to them as well.... even now I can't look at a photograph of the group without having tears well up in my eyes from the many happy memories.

M. Nagy, Ukraine

In our cruel world, I can't express how heart-warming it is to feel the outstretched hands of your wonderful work. My son has not stopped talking about SWB since he returned home. He's told me many times, "See mother, people can be kind. "Thank you so much!

Mrs. K. Ripli, Serbia,

If I had to describe SWB in one or two words it would be: love and caring. We were surrounded by it, and received so much in the day-to-day operation of the program. I still can't imagine how our instructors and guides could give so much, of themselves and their knowledge. Taking part has changed my outlook on life!

J. Poor, Slovakia

I’ve gained friends, heartfelt friends, love, contacts, self-confidence, belief, strength, a helping hand.... When I returned home, a tear would form in the corner of my eye when I realized that the next morning would no longer start with the wonderful group of friends and leaders I had come so attached to...

V. Halasz, Voivodina

We formed a new life that was filled with challenges... The experiences were made even more beautiful by the newly woven friendships. Now, as members of the Rakoczi Family Circle we will keep together by life-membership.

R. Polyakovity, Serbia

I feel that through SWB life-long friendships are created which cannot be hindered by Trianon’s boundaries. Though we live outside Hungary’s borders, our language is one, and with that language our dreams about being in complete unity is our wish for the future.

A.Szabo, Ukraine

Members of the Rakoczi Family Circle are like the stars—not always visible but we know they are there for each other when help and assistance is needed.

B.Boldizsar, Romania

My life has changed-- everything I studied so far took on new meaning. Now my purpose in life is clear, not only was it strengthened by example shown by camp leaders but taught me why I should be better, study harder and persevere.

E. Klara, Romania