A subject close to the heart – Teaching philanthropy at university level at the University of Pécs
A unique course on giving, social responsibility, and intrinsic motivation is launched
Philanthropy studies are not only filling a gap, but also marking the beginning of a new era in Hungarian higher education. The University of Pécs and the founders of the House of Giving Program – the Biggeorge Foundation and the Bridge Budapest Association – have created a knowledge- and experience-based course that helps students understand the deeper meaning of giving, volunteering, and social responsibility, not only on a conceptual level, but also on a personal, internal level. The 12-week online training module not only provides knowledge, but also encourages reflection and action. Its goal is to shape a value-based, responsible generation that gives freely and with conviction—whether time, attention, knowledge, or even money.
Although we talk a lot about charity, the culture of giving—especially at the systemic level—is still in its infancy in Hungary. Education in social responsibility is mostly based on family patterns, while the challenges of the world are creating an ever-stronger need for community action.
The course also develops skills such as empathy, responsibility, solidarity, humility, and self-awareness—in other words, it supports human qualities that are essential not only in charity but also in the labor market, communities, and personal relationships.
The curriculum was developed with the active participation of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Pécs, in the spirit of the UP Green University.
Our goal is to make the course available to as many university members as possible, so we offer the opportunity to participate in the course to all faculty students and UP staff.
Who is it for?
All UP students who want to do more for themselves and their community. The program is not only professionally valuable, but also offers personal development opportunities that enrich our daily lives and communities.
In addition, it is open to all UP employees who want to do more for themselves and their community. We encourage all employees to sign up for the course and experience first-hand how giving and taking responsibility can become a real inner resource. The program is not only professionally valuable, but also offers personal development opportunities that enrich our daily work and communities.
Why join?
- In 12 weeks, you can understand how giving can become a real inner resource.
- You can develop your skills: empathy, self-awareness, responsibility.
- You can be part of an inspiring community where everyone pursues the same goal: to make the world a better place.
What can the course offer you?
- A new perspective on your daily work and life.
- Development in empathy, responsibility, and self-awareness.
- Inspiration to give more courageously and consciously—whether it be attention, knowledge, or even time.
Amidst the challenges of the world, we are all looking for ways to do more. This course can be the first step towards a more sensitive and cohesive university community.
Course title: Introduction to Philanthropy, the Basics of the "Giving" Approach
Code: OIG_Filantr
Number of credits: 3 (for students)
Application: 29th August, 2025 (Friday) 8:00 a.m. – 29th September (Monday) midnight.
Don't wait, sign up on Neptun, and start your journey into the world of giving! Give your time, attention, knowledge, or even money – and enrich yourself in the process!
Recommended by:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1QDA21UXhxVZZGzXg95XddxG-pHkdnKaM
Further information:
Dr. Petra Rácz-Putzer
Assistant Professor, Head of the Sustainability Center
