Originating at the Szeged Training Center of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) as a simple student initiative, the project to involve volunteers in caring for abandoned newborns has since grown into an award-winning program. Over time, it may even inspire a nationwide shift in how society supports the most vulnerable – infants left in hospitals. Named Home for Life (Örökké Haza), the initiative has built a bona fide community in Szeged and Baja where the dedication of university students fuses with the committed work of clinical staff to ensure that abandoned newborns receive the love and care every baby needs. The program brings the MCC, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Szeged’s Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, and the University of Szeged itself into a shared mission grounded in compassion and social responsibility.
The founders of Home for Life, Blanka Égi, a fourth-year student majoring in special-needs education, and Teodóra Kiss, a fifth-year law student, received the 2025 Highlights of Hungary Audience Award alongside astronaut Tibor Kapu and Father Ottó Kalányos, a pastor known for his outreach work.
“This award is hope itself,” says Blanka Égi.
“We were informed of the outcome only at the awards gala. So, it was there, during the live event itself, that we got to know that Home for Life had become one of the public’s favorites. It was both exciting and deeply moving, especially because we had no idea how the voting had gone until that moment. Even the nomination itself was a huge surprise and an honor, as we were listed among inspiring projects and people who all contribute so much to their communities. Winning the award, however, truly exceeded our expectations – it was an immense privilege for us.”
When asked what their success means to them, Blanka Égi replies:
“This award is confirmation that what we do truly makes a difference and creates real value. It reassures us that our message has touched people’s hearts and that they, too, believe: every child deserves love. The key to our success in terms of the votes was probably sincerity and authenticity. You see, Home for Life was not created as a campaign, but as a heartfelt mission. The stories, the people, and the emotions behind it are genuine – and perhaps that is exactly what resonated with both the jury and the public.”
At the moment, Teodóra Kiss is the one in possession of the award. The reason for this is that the project’s founders have a tradition of taking turns keeping their awards at home, allowing both of them to ‘look after’ each award for a while. Naturally, once they have an office of their own, their awards will be displayed there in a fitting place. That moment may not be far off, as the group has recently been registered as a nonprofit association. This step was necessary to allow the program to be launched in locations without an MCC center or a partner university to help navigate legal requirements. In fact, these developments have even shaped the professional aspirations of Teodóra, currently a fifth-year law student, who says she hopes to work in child protection in the future.
“Speaking up for those who cannot speak…” professes Teodóra Kiss.
“We’re both actively involved in every aspect of the project, but as things move forward, it’s becoming clearer where each of us can contribute the most. Blanka has a better sense for social media and feels more at home in Baja, while as a law student, I try to navigate the legal background and spend more time in Szeged. I’m even writing my thesis on this topic. What we absolutely share, though, is that the award came as a complete surprise to both of us,” recalls Teodóra Kiss.
At the award ceremony, the students emphasized that this recognition represents hope – proof that their work is worthwhile, and that it is possible to make a difference and to help.
”Children, in a sense, don’t have a voice and cannot speak up, but they do long for a home and want to grow up in a loving family. That’s why we try to give them a voice. The title of the program reflects this as well. ‘Home for Life’ captures the idea that beyond giving love to children during those critical early weeks, the student volunteers involved also learn a great deal about themselves and about parenting. Later, they can draw on these lessons in their own families, and some may even become more open to adoption,” emphasizes Teodóra Kiss.
The infants cared for within the framework of the program are supported by students who complete the University of Szeged’s dedicated course, which is open to students from any field of study. This year, more than 150 students applied for just 25 available places.
The students participating in the program quickly become a supportive team, growing closer as they work together to provide care.
At present, ’Home for Life’ volunteers receive direct guidance and support from the following experts:
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Prof. Dr. Szabolcs Várbíró, University Professor and Head of Institute
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Prof. Dr. Hajnalka Orvos, University Professor and Department Head
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Dr. Kata Asztalos, Education Sciences Researcher and Head of MCC’s Szeged Training Center
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Anikó Balázsné Deli, Head Nurse
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Adél Králik and Ildikó Bagó, Psychologists
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Erzsébet Horváthné Mészáros, Professional Instructor and Advisor
Many adults are affected as well…
“The cathartic feeling and sense of achievement that came with receiving the award lasted only a day or two. However, just as meaningful for me was a moment after the ceremony: a professor of music from a Hungarian university approached me and shared that the lack of personal care had affected their life as well, pointing out that many of their current struggles actually stem from not having received support during that very important early period. Hearing this and the gratitude they expressed for our program is something that I believe will stay with me for a long time on this journey,” recalls Teodóra Kiss.
Dr. Kata Asztalos, head of MCC’s Szeged Training Center and an alumna of the University of Szeged, has supported the project from the outset. From now on, as patron of the Home for Life student project, her primary responsibility is to provide professional guidance and foster the project’s long-term growth.
From left to right: Teodóra Kiss; in the center, Kata Asztalos, who celebrated the victory together with the winners at the awards gala; and Blanka Égi
Photo courtesy of Highlights of Hungary
“In recent years, through the collaboration of MCC’s Szeged Training Center, the University of Szeged, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the SZTE’s Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, we have joined forces with experts who support participating students both during the preparatory course and throughout their volunteer work. Together with my colleagues, I am proud that the Home for Life initiative was launched at MCC’s Szeged Training Center, and we are delighted to nurture the growth of this community of university volunteers. Along with our students, we believe that with genuine dedication and determination, the world around us can indeed be shaped for the better,” says Kata Asztalos.
The team plans to use part of the monetary prize that accompanied the Highlights of Hungary Award to attend a professional training program, helping them gain deeper insight into how nonprofit organizations operate. They view continuous professional development as essential to strengthening Home for Life and ensuring that it functions effectively. In line with this, the remaining portion of the funds will be set aside to shape the association’s future trajectory, enabling it to grow and operate sustainably in the long term.
The volunteers themselves gain so much from these little “generators of love.”
”This award has given us new momentum to continue. We are planning to expand the Home for Life Association to the national level. Our aim is to reach even more people and to be present wherever we are truly needed,” notes Blanka Égi, speaking about their future plans.
Original Hungarian text by Ferenc Lévai
Photos courtesy of Örökké Haza – Home for Life (Facebook profile), István Sahin-Tóth, and Highlights of Hungary
