The visit of lecturers from Rongó University, Kenya, to Bárczi

This visit was implemented in connection with the joint inclusive school development programme of Bárczi and the Adventist Development and Relief Foundation (ADRA), and its primary goals were to review digital teaching materials developed by Bárczi lecturers, discuss the possibilities of integrating them into the Kenyan education environment, and to prepare professionally for the methodological and support centre to be established in Kenya. In addition, the parties also mapped out future lecturer and student mobility opportunities.

During the visit, the delegation participated in several meetings, including one with the Faculty’s leaders and lecturers, in which they were introduced in detail to the structure and goals of the Faculty’s Hungarian-language BA and MA programmes, as well as the English-language BA programme starting in September.

At a full-day professional meeting held at the Faculty, with the participation of Dean Dr. Gabriella Papp and Deputy Deans Dr. Andrea Perlusz and Dr. Eszter Márkus, they assessed the results of the cooperation to date, determined the further professional steps necessary for the development of teacher training in Kenya, and reviewed the possibilities of mutual mobility between the two institutions.

As part of the programme, the Kenyan colleagues visited an inclusive primary school in Budapest, where they gained direct insight into Hungarian inclusive pedagogical practice. During the visit, they also had the opportunity to briefly exchange views with the teachers.

The delegation also participated in the Cultural Festival of Special Needs Services, which was held for the 49th time this year. The event aims to showcase the artistic talent and creativity of students with disabilities, as well as promoting social acceptance and inclusion. At the all-day event, students with special educational needs performed in the categories of music, dance, singing, poetry and drama, the preparation for which promotes integration and strengthens community experiences.

In a separate meeting, the delegation also met Zoltán Sitkei, the Hungarian representative of ADRA, when they received a detailed overview of ADRA’s activities in Kenya and future development plans.

The visit included a working lunch with Eszter Knyihár, Head of the ELTE International Office, and Dr. Ferenc Takó, Head of the CHARM-EU Office, during which the strengthening of bilateral relations and other international cooperation opportunities were discussed. The fact that Rongó University, through Bárczi, recently joined the Erasmus KA1 Virtual Exchange project, thus becoming an official partner of ELTE in this area, gave the meeting great significance.

Throughout the visit, the sharing of good practices related to inclusive education, as well as the development of the methodological centre and the possibilities for adapting the related digital teaching materials, played a central role. The visit significantly contributed to the deepening of the professional relationship between the two institutions and laid the foundation for future cooperation in the field of international development of inclusive education.