In many parts of the world, it is essential for Christian communities living in minority in their homelands that younger generations could pursue adequate university studies. For this purpose, Hungary launched a scholarship program in 2017. The Scholarship Programme for Christian Young People (SCYP) forms an integral part of the Hungary Helps humanitarian program.
The aim of the program is to provide an opportunity to pursue university studies at Hungarian training locations. It is open for Christian young people living in crisis zones of the world where Christians are subject to terrorist threat, humanitarian crisis or religious persecution as a result of which they are excluded from the opportunity to participate in higher education.
Within the framework of the project, more than 170 young people could pursue university studies at Hungarian institutions this semester. Upon returning home, students can play a significant role in the advancement and strengthening of their communities with the knowledge they gained at Hungarian universities. Also, obtaining a higher education degree contributes to a higher level of social status in the case of returning professionals.
”I am immensely grateful for Hungary for lending a helping hand for us, persecuted Christians“ – proclaimed a SCYP student from Pakistan who is finishing studies this year.
One success story of the scholarship program is that of an Iraqi scholarship holder who obtained a degree in health care social work from the University of Debrecen. After returning home, he found employment at an organisation promoting refugees’ return to their homelands. A Nigerian scholarship student who completed her studies at the University of Debrecen as well majoring in social work is currently employed by Enugu State University in his homeland as a USAID and UNICEF contact person. The talented young individual established a local organisation also which is dealing with community development and the support of various disadvantaged groups.
