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Women's Health Empowerment Program (2006-present)
Breast cancer is one of the deadliest cancers among women in Hungary, with mortality rates significantly higher than the European average. Working with and through local NGOs, breast cancer survivors, and the Hungarian medical community, the partnership between JDC and Susan G. Komen for the Cure is focusing on strengthening existing and establishing new psychosocial services for women with breast cancer and their families; providing organizational development training to NGOs active in the area of breast health to strengthen services and coordination; and creating a breast health "Resource Guide" for public and professional use. Emphasis has been placed on activities that increase public awareness about the importance of early detection and the availability of psychosocial and other services for women with breast cancer and their families. The project utilizes local expertise and provides opportunities for close cooperation among NGOs, medical and health professionals, and Hungarian Ministry of Health representatives. Organizational development training is strengthening partner NGOs, helping in areas such as fundraising to ensure that accomplishments continue and are expanded upon after official project support is completed.
A particular effort is being made by JDC and Susan G. Komen for the Cure towards the Roma community, since their rate of breast cancer mortality is three times higher than in general, and their life expectancy is 7% shorter than of the non-Roma. A joint scheme - "Equal Chances against Cancer" - has been launched, and several civil and governmental organizations have joined the pilot project of this breast cancer scanning and awareness campaign for Roma women. The core the events were a structured series of health-days, each of which were preceded by a conference for professionals.
Learn more about WHEP.Read the 2007 WHEP Report.
District 9 Children's Project - Assistance to Impoverished Children in Budapest (2007-present)
Children living in the infamous Dzsumbuj settlement in the 9th district of Budapest suffer from numerous difficulties, such as immaturity of the nervous system, attention deficit disorders, problems with their movement coordination, reading disabilities, dyslexia and dysgraphia. Many children do not complete primary school and it is almost impossible for them to graduate high school, thereby facing serious challenges when seeking employment.
The Dzsumbuj Association offers services to underprivileged families from several parts of the district. The aim of the 'Tanoda' after-school support program is to provide complex pedagogic-social after-school services for multiple developmentally delayed, Roma children, pupils, students and their families. Children do their homework, have individual and group classes to develop their skills, and participate in English, drama, and arts and crafts classes. There is also a mentor system for the older students. Activities for the children include those that emphasize their school achievements and those that develop their personalities. The after- school support program also works with families of children who have multiple developmental delays. Family members are included in the children's leisure-time activities. Services for the families include: family care, social work, social administration, protection of their interests, mediation between the families and the school or other institutions, parent groups and family consultation. The centre recently completed a much-needed renovation of its premises, allowing for expanded and improved services, as has also begun a Sure Start program for children ages 0-6 and their parents, with special attention being paid to the unemployed, primary or secondary school drop-outs, single mothers, and young parents.
