We concluded the NOE Erasmus+ project with a meaningful and inspiring day at the closing conference held at the Pasaréti Community Center on January 30. Domestic and international experts, higher education stakeholders, and civil partners shared their experiences on the results of the project, which was launched in 2023, as well as practical tools to support educators and students with families.
The conference was opened by Levente Kovács Örs, the project coordinator, with welcoming remarks by Gábor Herbert, president of NOE, Dr. Veronika Varga-Bajusz, state secretary for higher education, vocational and adult education, and youth, and Radek Waszkiewicz, president of ELFAC. They all emphasized that strengthening a family-friendly approach in higher education is not only in the interest of society, but also a long-term investment.
Örs Levente Kovács presented the results of the project, explaining in detail how the research revealed the obstacles faced by students with families. The challenges faced by students raising children were discussed, as well as solutions that could help them in their studies.
During an international roundtable discussion, Raul Sanchez, Secretary General of the European Network of Family-Friendly Cities, Irina Granzulea, President of the Romanian Association of Large Families, and Kristóf Dallman, Secretary of the PPKE Student Service Center, on behalf of HÖOK, shared their experiences and discussed the future of inclusive higher education. The details of the research and the best practices developed were presented by research leader Bálint Duráczky.
The research results of the two-year project were also published separately in the form of a study volume. The volume entitled “Between Diploma and Cradle – Students Raising Children in Higher Education” was presented to the participants by researchers from Károli Gáspár Reformed University. The program concluded with reports from partner institutions.
The professional day was accompanied by a good atmosphere, openness, and active dialogue. The closing conference confirmed that family-friendly higher education is not only necessary but also feasible. The results of the project can contribute in the long term to a more flexible and inclusive environment for both students and teachers.
