Between 4 and 10 July, the HR Department of the Ministry of Defence and the National Roma Self-government organizes an Equal Opportunities Camp in Tata, at the HDF 25th ‘Klapka György’ Infantry Brigade. The program is meant to raise awareness of equal opportunities, in accordance with the objectives laid down in ministerial directives, and to present and demonstrate the Ministry’s special activities and professional work related to equal opportunities. MoD Cabinet Chief Dr. Gábor Szarka opened the camp on Monday, July 4.

On the first Monday of July, 36 secondary school students arrived at the barracks of the HDF 25th ‘Klapka György’ Infantry Brigade in Tata. The girls and boys, who are of Romany origin or disadvantaged, live in the Equal Opportunities Camp of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for a week. Speaking about the camp, Ferenc Scharek, the Head of the MoD HR Department told us that the Ministry of Defence would like to give disadvantaged young people – who are in quest of their own ways in life – a clear picture of the career opportunities offered by the Hungarian Defence Forces.

He added that the number of received applications had exceeded by far the advertised camp capacity, so it was difficult to select the lucky camp participants. In addition to learning military basics, the campers will be offered diverse cultural programs during the week.

Young people come from all parts of the country to the Equal Opportunities Camp - told us Lt. Melitta Horváth, the HDF desk officer in charge of Romany affairs.

The girls and the boys lined up in the standard BDU of the Hungarian Defence Forces for the opening ceremony during which Dr. Gábor Szarka welcomed them to the Equal Opportunities Camp. In his speech, the MoD Cabinet Chief said that the young campers had undertaken the challenge of implementing the programs organized by the Tata brigade for the duration of the camp. “The Hungarian Defence Forces and the Ministry of Defence pay special attention to disadvantaged young people!” - stressed the Cabinet Chief, adding he hoped that he would see many youngsters – who are now wearing the uniform as campers – turning into soldiers in the coming years.

To observe the principle of equal opportunities is a priority for the Ministry of Defence because in European societies it raises major concerns when people are differentiated on the basis of their skin color or other physical features - Gábor Szarka emphasized, adding that “We would like to show that in the military community, people are judged by their performance at work, their achievements, the duties they undertake as members of the comrades’ community and their devotion to the homeland. In this community, it shall never happen - for if it does, it will have serious consequences - that people are discriminated against because of their gender, skin color, or cultural attachment!”.

Gábor Szarka went on saying he was confident that the program organized by the leaders of the Tata brigade will demonstrate that the Hungarian Defence Forces have very high standards and that the soldiers must meet very strict requirements. Finally the Cabinet Chief expressed his hope that the campers’ experiences gained in the coming week will prompt them to choose a career in the Hungarian Defence Forces either as volunteer reservists or enlisted or professional soldiers.

Márton Várnai – the representative of the National Roma Self-government – said in his speech: “I think our goal is to achieve that different public organizations can work towards the successful inclusion of the Hungarian gypsy community in society.”

Addressing the campers, Mr. Várnai stressed that ”You are fortunate to be able to spend a week here and have an insight into the work of the Hungarian Defence Forces.”

“A week later, when you return home enriched with many experiences and new information, you will be able to make your decision whether you prefer the military vocation or not” he added. The participants of the Equal Opportunities Camp master the drill manuals and service protocols during the week. Moreover, they take lessons in topography, have PT programs and visit the ’Klapka György’ Infantry Brigade and the town of Tata. The highlight of the one-week camp is the HDF Equal Opportunities Day, to be held at the Monostor Fort in Komárom on July 9. The day focuses on raising awareness of equal opportunities, and presenting the MoD’s special activities and professional work related to equal opportunities.

(Ministry of Defence)