The Gandhi School is unique to Hungary, aiming to bring equal access to education and career opportunities to Roma youth, foster pride in Romani culture, and break the cycle of poverty amongst Europe’s largest minority.

In 2012, we initiated and received approval from the Seattle and Pécs Rotary Clubs and the Seattle-Pécs Sister City Association to replace the 60-year-old single-paned windows in the school’s cafeteria and bathrooms. This renovation was desperately needed as the students were eating their meals in the freezing cold during the winter, and going without proper ventilation during the warmer months.  With the help of the Pécs Rotary Club, the renovation was completed just a few months before we arrived in Hungary.

During our visit, we first assessed the renovation work we had initiated from home and then showed our support of the Roma and the Gandhi school by cleaning, repairing, and painting two classrooms and a 4-story stairwell – all costs were covered by funding obtained back in the United States.  We were able to complete all of this in just two days, working alongside the wonderful faculty and enthusiastic students.

Getting the chance to support a high school that specializes in serving the Roma was a great opportunity. We accomplished a lot of work, but there’s still much more to do.  We plan to propose another renovation project to the Seattle & Pécs Rotary Clubs for next year, excited to make an even greater impact during our next visit.