Education paper by Dömötör, Gábor
Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris

Preserving Hungarian Language and Culture among Young People of Hungarian Descent. The example of the Hungarian Scout Association in Exteris.

Type of Abstract (select):

Abstract (max. 250 words):
Many parents of Hungarian descent wish their children to become good citizens of their adopted country, while at the same time cherishing and preserving their Hungarian heritage. Two organizations stand out as vehicles towards this objective: the local week-end “Hungarian Schools” and the Hungarian Scout Association is Exteris (HSAE). The schools operate independently, generally with individual curricula, and are united mostly in a loose bond with the other schools. The HSAE, on the other hand, is a structured legal entity, which has been operating outside of Hungary for 67 years on four continents: Western Europe, South America, North America and Australia.

In addition to its mission of developing young people within the spirit of international scouting, the HSAE has developed a palette of programs aimed at transmitting and preserving the knowledge of Hungarian language and culture among its scouts. The scout activities are held in Hungarian and many of the aspects of Hungarian culture – folklore, history, literature, etc. – are transmitted informally as part of typical scout activities: camping, excursions, competitions, campfires. Future leaders participate in more formal classes and sit exams at various levels. This is complemented with visits and training programs in Hungary and in the Hungarian-populated areas of the neighboring countries.

The presentation will provide an overview of the programs as well as of the results and experiences of the Scout Association.


Brief Professional Bio (max. 100 words):
Gábor Dömötör is an engineer by training, taught at the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and was an executive of IBM both in Brazil and in the United States. He has been a member of the Hungarian Scout Association ever since early childhood and advanced through all levels of the organization. He is currently Chairman of the Board and Vice-Prersident of the Association and also holds the responsibility for the teaching and preservation of Hungarian language and culture.