Children joined the work of the Hintalovon Academy in various roles and on different topics. We asked them how they felt about the experience.
The Hintalovon Academy was launched in the fall of 2023.
Its goal is to offer accredited and registered training courses for professionals – primarily teachers, lawyers, and those working in the social sector. These online trainings were developed and accredited specifically for them, but they are also open to all parents and responsible adults interested in children’s rights.
For example, our training published in February 2024 – “What Is Pedophilia, and What Are the Most Important Things to Know About Sexual Violence Against Children?” – is available free of charge to everyone, aiming to ensure that every child has at least one adult around them who notices when they need help.
Since the launch, we have held 3 in-person and 2 live online trainings, with 110 professionals participating. In addition, 6 e-learning courses have become available, completed by more than 10,000 participants from across the country.
Children’s participation principles played a key role in developing the materials.
Our Kid Colleagues (volunteer children aged 13–17) were involved in the Academy’s activities multiple times, in different roles.
- Participation in Trainings
- Children joined in-person trainings on three occasions. They were involved in planning the programs, giving feedback, and coordinating tasks. They had the chance to share their perspectives on the topics discussed. Before each training, we held one or two preparatory sessions, providing them with details of the program and their roles, brainstorming tasks together, and supporting them in expanding their background knowledge. After each training, feedback was collected, and their experiences were integrated into the methodology for the next event.
- Their participation was guided by the child safeguarding policy, reviewed annually. Adult participants were also informed about the code of conduct, which ensures the safe involvement of children.
- Participation for Kid Colleagues was voluntary: they could decide whether to attend in person or contribute in the background. Typically, 3–5 children were present at the in-person trainings, in 1.5–3 hour sessions. They took part mainly in role plays and forum theatre–based activities during two social work and one teacher training session.
- Case Study Development and Review
- Case studies form an essential part of our e-learning materials. Participants learn about everyday child rights cases, provide opinions, share experiences, and suggest proper handling and prevention methods. After answering, they also receive professional explanations and advice.
- Our Kid Colleagues were invited to review these case studies as well. Their insights were included in the chapters, as we consider them experiential experts. They offered invaluable perspectives on what a child might do in such cases, how to best support a victim, and what a witness might need.
- In addition, many earlier child-produced materials were integrated into the training, such as relevant videos and articles.
Kid Colleagues Share Their Experiences
What do you think about the Academy, and why is it important to have such trainings?
Kristóf: It’s important that we keep educating ourselves. I really like the saying, “You live and learn.”
Szonja: It’s a much-needed and accessible collection of information, a comprehensive knowledge base on crucial everyday topics.
Kitti: I think the trainings are useful for everyone. We hear new perspectives, stories, and get a clearer view of current situations, which is very reassuring.
Was there something you especially liked about the trainings or materials?
Kristóf: Honestly, I enjoyed all of them. I never felt bored, even though I had some preconceptions about certain topics.
Szonja: That they truly put children’s interests first.
Kitti: Most of the time, everyone respected each other’s opinions and shared their own without suppressing others’. I think that’s very important, especially since not many people today know how to handle “debates” like this—or even just argue respectfully.
How did you feel about working together in preparations and discussing the cases?
Kristóf: It was really great!
Szonja: I felt comfortable—we were thinking about real-life situations.
Kitti: Working with the Foundation was flawless, both in preparation and on-site. We could share our ideas, we were briefed beforehand, and they accompanied us, making sure we never felt (too) uncomfortable—at least not more than we could handle.
What was it like working with the Foundation’s staff?
Kristóf: Everyone was friendly—it’s a joy to work with them.
Szonja: They’re amazing professionals—it’s good to know such people are working for us, for children.
Kitti: Thanks to Szilvi and Dóri for being there, constantly paying attention to us and others, talking with us before and after the events, and to Viki for accompanying us. You give me huge strength and support every time—I felt more confident because of you. (So once again, thank you!!)
What was it like working with the training participants—as a child?
Kristóf: They were cooperative, so the work went well.
Szonja: I think it’s important that in our work, we get to know real situations and societal thinking in the given topics.
Kitti: At first, I was a bit scared of how they would communicate with us, or whether they would take us seriously. Sadly, this comes from habit—but the participants turned out to be a positive surprise. We didn’t always agree with everyone, but apart from one occasion, they all respected our boundaries.
What did you learn from certain topics or situations?
Kristóf: I’ve become much more open to topics I wasn’t initially interested in.
Szonja: The situation in the systems is worse than I thought. These trainings are really necessary.
Would you like to take part in more trainings? Why?
Kristóf: Yes, I’ve had good experiences so far.
Szonja: YEEES! I love helping other people (children), I enjoy working with professionals, and I’m glad to represent Hungarian youth.
Kitti: I’d happily join more trainings. I came across unique information that now allows me to approach problems differently elsewhere too.
What would you say to the Academy’s current or future learners?
Kristóf: It’s an amazing experience—enjoy it!
Szonja: Thank you! Thank you on behalf of all children for doing everything you can for us. Knowledge is a great treasure, and no one will ever take it away from you.
Kitti: I’d just say: be patient with each other. Even in difficult situations, we must show that we are human. Almost everyone in the room shares the same goal, even if they approach problems differently. Putting our ideas together can lead to a pro-and-con list, and in the end, we can figure out the “right procedure(s)”—so everyone goes home feeling they did something meaningful instead of wasting time on arguments.
Feedback from Staff and Participating Professionals
- “A comprehensive material created with incredible professionalism and great empathy, understandable and accessible for ‘everyday’ people. I’d make it mandatory for every parent, teacher, and anyone working with children! Thank you!”
- “A very useful summary, backed by extensive research. As a teacher, this is an extremely important professional resource. Thanks to the authors and the foundation for creating this much-needed material.”
- “It greatly contributes to the success of future generations and to the quality work of the professionals who care for and educate them.”
