Introduction conference of CHERISH – “Where rivers connect”

The international project Croatia, Hungary and Romani: Inclusive Solutions for Harmonized Education, nicknamed CHERISHED had its inaugural conference on the 27th of April, at the University of Pécs Department of Roma Studies and Educational Sociology, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Led by the University of Pécs and supported by the Interreg VI-A Hungary-Croatia Programme – co-funded by the European Union – the project set to aid participation of disadvantaged students in higher education, especially Romani students, while reducing dropout rates. With participation from the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek partner institution the conference provided an exact overview of the project’s objectives, plans, and estimated outcomes, as well as introductions for the cooperating organisations, and student societies from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University of Pécs.

For more pictures of the event: click here!

“A very warm welcome to everyone” – greeted the participants Erika Csovcsics, professional coordinator for the program, in a direct yet inviting manner. Then came dr. Beatrix Lábadi, professor and vice-dean for the University of Pécs Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, who remarked on how „this project is important because it strengthens the two universities, and also the student community, especially those students who came from a low socioeconomic background (for ex. minorities)”. „It may create the possibility to involve and strengthen an engagement to the university community” – as she emphasised the role of collaboration in achieving inclusivity and diversity of the academic field.

A joint presentation, delivered by Erika Csovcsics, and Stephani Jug, professional head of the project, representing the partner university followed. The first half encapsulated the project’s goals, with focus on a gradual build-up towards a more supportive environment for disadvantaged students. Further on, Stephani Jug elaborated on the current situation of underrepresented groups at Josip Juraj Strossmayer University, as she emphasised the need for relevant “student colleges”. These institutions would be converted from established student associations, to thus form an organic and sensible environment to vulnerable groups. Furthermore, to implement joint student projects, soft skill trainings, and academic courses, the fresh partnership consists of teachers and experts of the humanities and social sciences also – symbolised by their active participation in this somewhat workshop style presentation.

“Where rivers connect” – the CHERISH project, a portrayal of the bond between the University of Pécs and the Josip Juraj Strossmayer University had its first stepping stone in the form of a professional yet pleasant conference. The open, and interactive aspect of the event not only highlighted the anticipated efficiency and transparency of the project but also the magnitude of Hungarian-Croatian cross-border cooperation.

Article: Bende Gyuris
Photos: Szabolcs Csortos