Helping Disadvantaged Children Through the Power of Music

The vision behind Caritas Hungary’s Christmas charity concert has become a tangible reality: the musical instruments and developmental tools purchased from the proceeds of the concert are now bringing hope and new opportunities to children in four disadvantaged communities in Hungary — with the personal involvement of acclaimed artist Attila Dolhai.

Caritas Hungary’s grand Christmas concert, held on December 11, 2024, in St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, was not only an unforgettable musical experience for attendees but also opened new opportunities to support children living in disadvantaged communities. The concert, which took place as part of Caritas Hungary's “Open Your Hearts!” Christmas Fundraising Campaign, made it possible for the organization to purchase a significant number musical instruments and developmental tools, which were distributed in the villages of Patapoklosi, Somogyapáti, Drávaiványi, and Bogádmindszent by Gábor Écsy, the retiring national director of Caritas Hungary, Richárd Zagyva, deputy national director, and Adrienn Decsi-Bíró, professional coordinator for catch-up activities — with the participation of award-winning actor and musical performer Attila Dolhai.

In Patapoklosi, at the Biztos Kezdet ("Sure Start") Children’s House — operated by Caritas Hungary since February — the new equipment was already in use when the team arrived: the rocking horse, balls, and rhythm instruments will be supporting the development of the youngest children. The dedication of the local community and the tireless work of professionals fill the building with life, welcoming local parents and children every day. “The babies and their mothers were already sitting in a circle on the soft-carpeted floor as Szandra led a music-and-rhyme session,” says Adrienn Decsi-Bíró. “Attila immediately joined them, picked up a guitar, and sang a children’s song. The little ones joined in with castanets, banjos, and triangles. Perhaps the greatest joy for them was the rocking horse, which sparked a fierce competition over who would get to ride it first.”

In Somogyapáti, at Caritas Hungary's Presence Point, a girls’ dance group has been forming for some time. Until now, they performed at community events without special gowns but with great enthusiasm. Thanks to the Christmas donations, they will soon be able to dance in authentic Romani folk costumes — as will talented children from two other villages. Caritas also supported them with sound equipment. “In the spring sunshine, Attila and the five little girls all sat together on the large nest swing in the yard. After their dance, the two youngest ones said goodbye to us all with hugs,” Adrienn recalls.

In Drávaiványi, a borderland of Croatian, Hungarian, and Romani cultures, the Caritas team was welcomed by Zoltán Petrovics, Caritas Hungary’s music coordinator, who is concurrently a law student, music teacher, and talent show awardee. Local children are learning to play the tambura with him and were preparing a joint Mother’s Day performance. The musical collaboration between Attila and Zoltán became a memorable moment. “Their fingers moved in unison. The children were holding new tambourines and rhythm sticks, and even those without instruments joined in with humming or singing — it was truly unforgettable,” Adrienn reminisces.

Caritas Hungary's Presence Point in Bogádmindszent was packed with guitar students, parents, and guests. Here, Attila Dolhai invited everyone to join in a shared worship-session - the song ‘Thine Be the Glory’ became a true communal experience. “It didn’t matter who came from Budapest or was a local, who already knew many chords and who only a few — the music completely united us,” Adrienn says joyfully.

At the end of the day, over homemade treats shared together, Julianna Boros, regional professional manager of Caritas Hungary’s Emerging Settlements program, stressed the importance of the event and donations: “What might seem like a simple experience to us — a trip, a musical instrument, or a shared song — can be life-changing here. We are not miracle-workers but we bring faith to these children: faith that they are capable of so much more than their circumstances would suggest.”

With a diagnosis-based presence methodology, Caritas Hungary has been participating in the Emerging Settlements program since 2018, providing support to people in disadvantaged communities across all life stages. The instruments delivered at this occasion have not only reached the right place, but the very best place: a place where they can bring real change to children’s futures. Some of the instruments will also be sent to newly established Presence Points in other regions of Hungary to begin music-based development there as well.

Photo: Tibor Vermes

Katolikus Karitász - Caritas Hungarica