According to Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor programme aiming at preserving the Hungarian identity of the diaspora is very successful. The work that young people participating in the programme carry out is of historical importance for the preserviation of the Hungarian identity of those living in the diaspora – Zsolt Semjén underlined at the closing conference of the programme held at the Magyarság Háza in Budapest. He emphasized that their Hungarian identity can only be safeguarded if, apart from strengthening their cultural and linguistic identity, they are also being encouraged to adopt Hungarian citizenship. – he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the Hungarian Government has decided on the future funding of the programme. For this purpose HUF 1 billion will be allocated, while another HUF 500 million will be made available for the Mikes-programme, an initiative that aims at collecting the material heritage of the diaspora in an organized manner.
He also pointed out that it is a task of historical importance to turn the often originally emigrant organisations into organisations that provide a sort of “Hungarian home” for those as well, who only study in the given country, or plan to work there for a few years.
Zsolt Semjén emphasized the importance of the change of linguistic paradigm. We would like to retain those who can be retained in the Hungarian language environment; however, we do not want to lose those, where this is not possible any more. In these cases, it is right that English speaking sections come to life.
Minister of State Árpád Potápi informed the audience that in the first year the Kőrösi Csoma Sándor programme had 47 participants, this year 100, and the following year another 100 young people will have the possibility to participate and to thus strengthen the relationship between Hungary and the Hungarians abroad.
(Prime Minister's Office)
