Wonderworkshop Association supports Csobánka’s disadvantaged/ highly disadvantaged community, which is overrepresented by Roma. The overarching aim is to improve their quality of life and give them tools and support to achieve their goals. In response to problems arising from poverty, racism, and deficiencies in the education system, the Association has developed a complex programme reaching all age groups. Striving for the stabilisation of its programmes, Wonderworkshop Association participates in the Resilience Programme initiated by the Badur Foundation.
The Association first launched an afterschool programme in Csobánka in 2012. The goal was to support the education and personal development of vulnerable children between the ages of 6 and 18. It soon became clear that there needed to be a wider support system with active stakeholder participation, leading to the development of five more educational and community programmes. The Complex Programme for Equal Opportunities (Komplex Esélyteremtési Program, KEP), therefore, has the following independent but interrelated elements:
The Early Childhood Programmes address the needs of children aged 0-6 and their mothers by offering skill development competence-developing and experience-based sessions.
The Afterschool Programme provides afternoon classes for children until the age of 18, who are at risk of falling behind with their studies. The individual or group sessions are designed with pedagogical methods and tailored to personal needs and skills.
The Girls’ and Boys’ Group Programme engages teenagers aged 14-19 to come together, share their thoughts in a safe place, and support each other.
The Adult Education Programme – currently on hold - offers access to primary and vocational education to adults over 16 who have dropped out of the school system. The programme also aims to help their integration to the labour market.
The Association has also made community participation a core element of its work. What began as a pilot—the Community Coordination Programme—has now become an integral part of all activities. The Association employs three local community assistants in various roles, ensuring that local needs are reflected within the organisation and its initiatives. The primary goal is to empower the community and collaboratively address issues affecting marginalised residents by actively engaging local stakeholders.
Over the years, the methodology of the programmes has strengthened and the demand has increased. When entering the Resilience Programme, the team’s goal was to reach and maintain the long-term sustainability of the organisation and the long-term continuity of the KEP programmes. After participating in a holistic workshop series covering the different aspects of organisational functions, the team formulated its development plan. Support from the Badur Foundation has enabled the Association to focus on this plan.
The 3-year long implementation phase of the Resilience Programme started in January 2022, and the Wonderworkshop Association made significant strides in strengthening its fundraising and communication activities from the outset. Through various fundraising campaigns, multiple media appearances, and expanding its network of supporters, volunteers, and friends, the Association has successfully taken steps towards diversifying and stabilising its funding. In line with this, the team has professionalised its financial management, improving both planning and transparency.
Another key achievement was organisational development. With the help of external experts and internal efforts, the team clarified roles and responsibilities, increased capacity by adding new volunteers, and focused on staff wellbeing.
Last but not least, a key area of development was advancing advocacy by and for locally disadvantaged people, as the Association remains committed to beneficiary involvement.
Building on these successes, the Association remains dedicated to ongoing growth and development. In the coming years, the focus will be on strengthening corporate partnerships, relaunching its adult education programme, and even establishing a social enterprise.
