On January 30, we concluded the NOE Erasmus+ project with a meaningful and inspiring day at the closing conference held at the Pasaréti Community Center: Domestic and international experts, higher education stakeholders, and civil partners shared their experiences on the research results of the project, which was launched in 2023, as well as practical tools to support educators and students with families.

The conference was opened by Örs Levente Kovács, the project coordinator, with welcoming remarks by Gábor Herbert, president of NOE, Dr. Veronika Varga-Bajusz, state secretary for higher education, vocational and adult education, and youth, and Radek Waszkiewicz, president of ELFAC. They all emphasized that strengthening a family-friendly approach in higher education is not only in the interest of society, but also a long-term investment.

The results of the project were presented by Levente Kovács Örs, who gave a detailed account of how the research revealed the obstacles faced by students with families. The challenges faced by students raising children were discussed, as well as solutions that could help them in their studies.

During an international roundtable discussion on the future of inclusive higher education, Raul Sanchez, Secretary General of the European Network of Family-Friendly Cities, Irina Granzulea, President of the Romanian Association of Large Families, and Kristóf Dallman, Secretary General of the PPKE Student Service Center, shared their experiences. The discussion was moderated by Kinga Joó, NOE's expert on international relations. The details of the research and the best practices developed were presented by Bálint Duráczky, Research Director.

The research results of the two-year project were also published separately in the form of a study volume. The volume entitled Between Diploma and Cradle – Students Raising Children in Higher Education was presented to the participants by researchers from Károli Gáspár Reformed University. The program concluded with reports from partner institutions.

The event was characterised by a positive atmosphere, openness and active dialogue among participants. The closing conference confirmed that family-friendly higher education is not only a necessary step, but also a viable one. The results of the project can contribute in the long term to a more flexible and inclusive environment for both students with families and children and educators.

More information about the project: csalad-es-egyetem.noe.hu/en

The TOOLKIT created as a result of the project can be downloaded HERE.

The book Between Diploma and Cradle – Students Raising Children in Higher Education can be downloaded HERE.