Introducing the Home for Life Initiative
The University of Szeged’s student‑led project, Home for Life, has garnered national attention after winning the prestigious Monitor Award for its creative approach to supporting newborns who arrive at the hospital without parental presence. The initiative provides a structured volunteer program, in which university students learn to comfort and care for these infants during the critical first weeks of life.
Rather than relying on family members, Home for Life’s volunteers form a caring network that bridges the gap between clinical staff and abandoned infants. The project is rooted in a strong sense of social responsibility and offers a hands‑on learning experience for students across disciplines.
Background: From Classroom Idea to Nationwide Movement
The program began as a small idea at the Szeged Training Center of the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC). Blanka Égi, a fourth‑year special‑needs education student, and Teodóra Kiss, a fifth‑year law student, started inviting peers to volunteer. Over time, the inspiring concept grew into a formal partnership between MCC, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Albert Szent‑Györgyi Clinical Center, and the university itself.
The founders’ dedication has turned Home for Life into a community that offers comfort, affection, and developmental stimulation to infants who otherwise have limited social interaction in a sterile hospital ward. The program’s name emphasizes the mission: giving these babies a “home” experience, nurturing them until they can be placed in a loving family or adoptive environment.
Winning the Monitor Award: Recognition of Impact
In November, Home for Life was honored with the 2025 Highlights of Hungary Audience Award—commonly referred to as the Monitor Award because of its coverage and media presence. The award highlighted the project as a standout example of social responsibility, innovation, and community engagement.
According to an interview with the winners, “The award confirms that our efforts create real value. It shows that every child deserves love, and that volunteers can make a difference even after the first day in the hospital.” The recognition also raised the initiative’s profile, encouraging more students to apply for the limited training spots.
Student Experience: A Lesson in Compassion and Personal Growth
The Home for Life training course is open to students from all faculties. It covers infant handling, skin‑to‑skin contact, soothing techniques, and emotional support strategies. As of this year, more than 150 students applied for just 25 available places—a ratio that underscores the program’s popularity.
Volunteers report that their time caring for infants strengthens inter‑disciplinary collaboration. They learn about legal, psychological, and medical aspects that prove beneficial for future careers. For instance, Teodóra Kiss is currently working on a thesis on child protection, a field that dovetails with the project’s mission.
Support from University Faculty and Clinical Staff
Home for Life benefits from a robust support network: professors Dr. Szabolcs Várbíró and Dr. Hajnalka Orvos, research scientist Dr. Kata Asztalos, head nurse Anikó Balázsné Deli, psychologists Adél Králik and Ildikó Bagó, and professional instructor Erzsébet Horváthné Mészáros. This network provides ongoing guidance, ensures compliance with health regulations, and reinforces the program’s educational value.
Impact on the Broader Community
Beyond the hospital walls, the initiative touches families, caregivers, and the greater public. The program’s success is a testament to the power of volunteerism combined with institutional backing. The award’s monetary prize will be used for professional development, enabling the Home for Life Association to strengthen its operations and expand nationally.
Looking Ahead: Scaling the Initiative Across Hungary
With the Monitor Award as a springboard, the Home for Life Association plans to broaden its reach. Key objectives include establishing satellite programs in hospitals lacking MCC affiliates, providing training for local non‑profits, and developing a national framework for voluntary infant care.
The University of Szeged aims to embed Home for Life into its curriculum, offering credit hours for students who complete volunteering and training. This structure could inspire other universities to adopt similar models, amplifying the ripple effect of compassionate care.
How You Can Get Involved
Interested students can apply directly to the Home for Life training course through the university’s portal. Non‑graduate volunteers, parents, or healthcare professionals can also collaborate with the initiative by connecting with the Home for Life Association or speaking with faculty members involved.
- Submit your application today to join the next cohort of student volunteers and help pioneer innovative infant care.
- Schedule a free consultation with a Home for Life coordinator to learn more about how you can contribute.
- Share your experiences in the comments below to inspire others and foster community discussion about child welfare.
By remaining committed to social responsibility and clinical excellence, the University of Szeged and its students are setting a new standard for caring for abandoned infants. Their work demonstrates that thoughtful volunteer programs can produce measurable, lasting benefits for both the children at risk and the volunteers who step forward to help.
