Charity concert and cooperation agreement – Introduction of the University of Rakoczi and its talent development workshops

On March 7, a festive charity concert took place in Vásárosnamény, during which the University of Rakoczi and its talent development workshops were presented. In addition, a cooperation agreement was signed between our university and the Municipality of Vásárosnamény.

The attendees were welcomed by Sándor Filep, Mayor of Vásárosnamény.

“In the heart of Bereg, in Vásárosnamény, we have reached a significant milestone. A body consists of heart and soul, and if Vásárosnamény is the heart of Bereg, then Beregszász and the Hungarians of Transcarpathia represent the soul of Bereg,”

he said, adding that the day marks the beginning of a shared journey where unity is emphasized. He explained that Ildikó Orosz, President of the University of Rakoczi, and István Csernicskó, Rector, approached him with a proposal for cooperation, suggesting that the university could offer an off-site program in Vásárosnamény.

“Our town has educational institutions from nursery to kindergarten and secondary school, but today we have reached a milestone that has not existed before: the launch of university-level education. I know this is important not only for the residents of our town but for everyone who has gathered here today,”

he said, concluding that this initiative benefits not only Hungarians in Transcarpathia but also those in Hungary, as they no longer need to seek distant universities to access quality education.

He was followed by István Csernicskó, Rector of the University of Rakoczi, who introduced the university and outlined its prospects. He emphasized that our institution is a foundation-based higher education provider registered in Ukraine, which began its independent operation 30 years ago, in 1996. The first graduation ceremony of the college took place in 2001. Over the past 30 years, a total of 2,867 individuals have earned 4,412 degrees at our institution. A total of 172 faculty members oversee student education, with 73% holding academic degrees and 49% holding associate or full professorship titles. In its early years, the university offered four programs; today, it has 33 programs open for enrollment. We were the first higher education institution in Ukraine to obtain institutional accreditation. On October 1, 2025, we transitioned from a college to a university, creating an educational network that offers learning opportunities from kindergarten through university, including adult education and professional development.

“Those who engage in education are investing in the future. Our plan is to become the first Ukrainian university to operate an EU-based off-site faculty in Hungary, in Vásárosnamény,”

he concluded.

László Brenzovics, President of the Charity Foundation for Transcarpathian Hungarian University, recalled historical events in his welcoming speech, noting that the people of Bereg lived together for over a thousand years before Transcarpathian Hungarians were separated by borders, yet they remain united in spirit.

“However, life must continue under all circumstances. This day is especially important as it signifies two things: that the Hungarians of Transcarpathia want to live, and that they can rely on the solidarity of the homeland, the people of Bereg. I congratulate the university leadership and the Transcarpathian Hungarian intellectual community for standing firm even under these difficult conditions,”

he said.

“There are 30 kilometers between Beregszász and Vásárosnamény. There is war there, peace here. Borders between Hungarians, between the people of Bereg. But we are one nation, one will, and one unity. This unity, will, and nation say no to war. We want peace. We want a strong and flourishing Hungarian nation. The University of Rakoczi is the island of the Hungarian future in Transcarpathia. The university community comprises over 1,500 students, providing education from kindergarten through university. Today marks another step, not only launching a new educational site but establishing another pillar of the Hungarian future,”

highlighted Balázs Hankó, Hungary’s Minister for Culture and Innovation.

Following the speeches, Ildikó Orosz, President of the University of Rakoczi, István Csernicskó, Rector, and Sándor Filep, Mayor of Vásárosnamény, signed a cooperation agreement. According to this agreement, the off-site program of the Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University can commence in Vásárosnamény at the Eötvös Mansion. The aim of the cooperation is to make Hungarian higher education accessible locally for the university’s students and to provide a venue for professional and cultural programs.

Next, the talent development workshops founded by the University of Rakoczi were introduced. First to perform were the students of the “GENIUS” Charity Foundation’s ZeneVarázslat program, presenting a concert titled The sounds of hope. The ZeneVarázslat movement was founded by pianist Dr. Andrea Várnagy, a Distinguished Artist of Hungary, recipient of the Liszt Ferenc and Budapest Brand awards, who also serves as the program’s professional director. Their program had previously been presented at the 10th Brussels Transcarpathia Day and on the Day of Hungarian Culture at the University of Rakoczi. During the current concert, works by Bizet, Bach, Chopin, and Liszt were performed.

They were followed by students from the Tulipán Tanoda Hungarian School of Folk Music and Folk Art, who captivated the audience with folk songs from Nagydobrony and Nyírség, accordion performances of “slow” tunes and “fresh” csárdás from Visk, and dances from Gömör.

After the Transcarpathian performers, the concert continued with Zoltán Mága, Liszt Ferenc Prize-winning Hungarian violinist and esteemed artist, in a truly heartwarming performance.

“Today, borders do not matter; what matters is that we all belong to the same community. We especially remember the children of Transcarpathia who are here with us despite difficult times. Their presence and smiles send a message to us all that hope is always stronger than hardship. In times of trouble, it does not matter where someone comes from, what language they speak, or their background. What matters is remaining human and helping one another,”

he emphasized, before presenting gifts to the children. Every attending Transcarpathian child received a pair of sneakers, while Tulipán Tanoda students also received a violin each.

Attila Tilki, Member of the Hungarian National Assembly for Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, also greeted the attendees and the artist, recalling the events of four years ago, during the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and respect for women, as well as the power of music and shared communal experiences. He concluded by highlighting the importance of support and solidarity during difficult times.

“Today is a symbolic day, where the people of Bereg reconnect with each other. This may mark the beginning of a new era. The former Bereg County was one of the largest counties in historical Hungary, starting here in Namény and stretching to Verecke,”

said Ildikó Orosz, President of the University of Rakoczi, adding that the university has been one of the most important institutions for the survival of the Transcarpathian Hungarian community since its establishment.

“This is a historic moment, as the University of Rakoczi is the first among Ukrainian universities to launch an off-site program abroad, and this agreement reinforces the unity of the Bereg community,”

she concluded.

At the close of the day, the organizers emphasized that cooperation, culture, and talent development are capable of building bridges across borders.

Anita Kurmay

  The University of Rakoczi launches off-site program in Vásárosnamény