“We’re creating a special bond with them that helps them adapt"

When refugees began arriving in Hungary, Scout leader Marci Hajdú was among the first of the volunteers at the railway station. With his background in psychology, he quickly understood that practical help wasn’t enough—emotional support would be essential.

He and his Scout friends welcomed mostly women and children who had left everything behind, arriving with few belongings and uncertain futures. Soon after, Marci joined the UAct project and underwent training in psychological first aid, communication, and working with children affected by conflict.

He began volunteering at a day care centre set up by the Hungarian Scout Association and the Zubeta refugee shelter in Budapest, where approximately 90 Ukrainian refugees were housed.

Creating a tool for healing

Through these interactions, Marci recognised a need for structured emotional support. He designed the Friendship Book, a reflective, peace-building activity booklet that teaches emotional awareness, creative problem-solving, scouting values, and how to be a good friend.

He created two age-appropriate versions and worked with his NSO to translate the book into Ukrainian. Over 100 children received the printed booklet: “My proudest moment was seeing the children at the shelters excited as they flipped through the pages and immediately started colouring in it.”

Weekly support and lasting bonds

Each week, Marci and a fellow Scout visited the shelter, where they ran activities like Lego building, singing, arts and crafts and movie sessions: “I find it very rewarding that the children wait for us each week. We’re creating a special bond with them that helps them adapt and become more resilient.”

The shelter primarily houses families from Ukraine’s Transcarpathian region, where many children already speak Hungarian. Still, the transition is difficult. Marci’s presence, combined with his psychological training, has helped to bring comfort and consistency.