Széchenyi István University has entered into a partnership with the Diocese of Győr to strengthen education, talent management and career guidance. The agreement, signed on 18 April, covers a total of seven primary and secondary schools. Within the framework of the cooperation, a unique optional subject entitled „Values and Challenges” was launched at the university.
In order to provide quality education and support young people in their career choices, Széchenyi István University has a wide range of partnerships in the field of education, which have been further expanded through an agreement with the Diocese of Győr. Within the framework of this cooperation, the University assists the professional work of the ecclesiastical institutions concerned, the introduction of new educational and educational organisation methods, and the participation of the staff in providing information to primary and secondary school students to help them find a career. The diocese provides opportunities to showcase the University’s courses, promotes its „Pathway to Higher Education” programme and participates in the teaching of the „Values and Challenges” subject, which was launched this spring.
The agreement between the Széchenyi István University and the Diocese of Győr was signed by Dr. Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs of the University, Dr. András Veres, Bishop of the County and Prof. Dr. Ferenc Friedler, Rector, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
„We have a long-standing and excellent relationship with Széchenyi University, which has resulted in a number of joint initiatives. With this signature, we have formalised an already well-established partnership. It is gratifying that the students of the diocesan secondary schools can also benefit from this, and can participate in programmes that bring the university closer to them, and learn about the courses and research areas offered there „, said County Bishop András Veres. He added that the cooperation also contributes to the fact that those leaving religious schools will find Christian values and religious community at the university.
„The jointly launched optional subject, which is available to all students and allows them to learn about Christian philosophy and lifestyle, is unique,” said Dr András Veres, who is himself involved as a lecturer in the course. He stressed that international students of the university are also given the opportunity to practice their faith, as an English-language mass is held on the third Sunday of every month in the Győr Cathedral. „These services are regularly attended by foreign students, and many of them are also present at the Sunday and even the weekday masses,” he noted.
Dr. Zsolt Kovács, Vice President for General and Educational Affairs of the University, emphasized that the good relationship is characterized by the fact that the Szent László Dormitory of the Brenner János College of Theology is temporarily housed in the dormitory of Széchenyi University. „Also important for our students is the activity of the university chaplaincy, which provides spiritual support for many young people. A new element in the transmission of Christian values is the subject ‘Values and Challenges’, which has reached its maximum of 120 students and gives young people a reference point for navigating the world. We consider this important because our students are not only studying for a degree, they are also laying the foundations of their lives. If they are given the necessary ammunition, they can be just as successful in their personal lives as they are in their professional lives,” he added.
Prof. Dr. Ferenc Friedler, Rector and Vice President for Academic Affairs, underlined that young people are entering a completely new environment after high school. „This transition is often not easy, but any partnership between the institution and the schools will help to make the transition as smooth as possible and to help fresh students to settle in more easily. Collaboration is also an opportunity for high schools and universities to work together to listen to young talent and help them on their way,” he underlined.
The partnership includes the educational institutions of the Diocese of Győr – the Apor Vilmos Catholic Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School and Dormitory, the Prohászka Ottokár Orsolyita Secondary School, Primary School and Kindergarten, the St. Orsolya Roman Catholic Secondary School, Primary School and Kindergarten in Sopron, the St. Vince Páli Catholic Secondary School, Primary School and Kindergarten in Kapuvár, the II. Rákóczi Ferenc Catholic Nursery and Primary School in Csorna, the St. Anna Catholic Primary School and Nursery School in Szany and the St. Imre Roman Catholic Primary School and Nursery School in Komárom.
