Students from the Babits Mihály High School of the University of Pécs took part in an exemplary initiative again this year, aimed at helping a disadvantaged family. As part of their mandatory 50 hours of community service, the students "manufactured" paper briquettes from waste paper, sawdust, and water, which will provide enough heating for an entire heating season.
As Hungary's greenest university, the University of Pécs strives to be at the forefront of creating sustainable communities, and has set several good examples in this regard in recent years. The briquette-making project by students at the UP-Affiliated Babits Mihály High School is a precedent-setting initiative that shows how even a small collaborative effort can improve the lives of others, in this case a disadvantaged family. The institution's primary goal is to raise social awareness and promote a sustainable approach.
"We were happy to support the initiative, which, in addition to serving a noble purpose, promotes waste recycling and plays a major role in fostering environmental and social responsibility and openness and receptiveness among students. We are delighted that we were able to work together with our partners to achieve this common goal. The project was implemented in cooperation with the UP Chancellery, the UP-Affiliated Babits Mihály High School, the UP Green University Program Office, Mecsekerdő Ltd., and Agro-Porta Ltd. in Szentlőrinc," said István Decsi, Chancellor of the UP.
"The cornerstone of the UP Green University Program concept is to shape attitudes that serve the achievement of sustainable development goals. It is extremely important that we develop and expand the green philosophy and promote environmentally conscious thinking. In order to raise awareness, the University of Pécs pays special attention to and provides space for the targeted education of students so that a "green" mindset can become a fundamental part of their everyday lives," emphasized Tünde Kulcsár, head of the UP Green University Program Office.
The institution is undergoing a digital transition, but even so, a significant amount of paper still ends up in the school's selective waste collection bins. The compressed paper bricks are an excellent heating aid alongside wood, coal, or pellets.
"Babitsos students participated in the production of the briquettes as part of their community service hours. The work was coordinated by my colleague who teaches physical education, who is very passionate about this cause. This is our third year working on the briquettes, and this is the second package we are sending out. The fuel will provide warmth to families in need until the end of the heating season. It is important to mention that when the Education Office inspected our institution's community service practices, they took note of this good practice, which is a major factor in our receiving the National Teachers' Association's "Excellent IKSZ Program" award in Budapest on 14th February.
The chancellor of the University of Pécs, István Decsi, has supported this good cause from the very beginning, so I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of our institution," said Andrea Sulyok, head of the UP-Affiliated Babits Mihály High School.
"Perhaps the point is not what we do, but why we do it. We wanted to help the most disadvantaged families. When the energy crisis was announced in the summer of 2022, everyone was wondering what would happen. The two worst things in life are hunger and cold. I came up with an idea that might work, whereby our school and its students could help those who would not be able to pay for gas or firewood and would be left without heating. Thanks to the project, students here at the school can complete the mandatory 50 hours of community service, which is a requirement for graduation. The students are very enthusiastic, and there are a few who feel strongly about this initiative and are constantly involved in it, helping newcomers," added Gergő Pintér, the project's initiator and a teacher at the UP-Affiliated Babits Mihály High School.
