As a special needs teacher, I have been working for over a decade with children who live on the margins of society – including those growing up in extreme poverty and facing multiple disadvantages. These children often start life with disadvantages that affect not only their learning but also their ability to form relationships, their self-confidence and their emotional security.

During my career, I set up the Varázsmancsok programme, in which we use therapy dogs to support children’s emotional development.

The presence of a dog often reaches children who are otherwise difficult to engage with.

I remember a little boy who hadn’t spoken a word at school for months. He avoided eye contact and withdrew in every situation. The first time he met a therapy dog, he watched from a distance. The next time, he sat closer. A few weeks later, he stroked the dog – and that was when he spoke. That was the first moment he made a genuine connection with the world.

Another little girl arrived at school in a constant state of tension. She often had outbursts of anger, found it difficult to adapt to rules, and was shunned by her peers. When she joined the therapy dog sessions, she was initially uncertain too. But in the dog’s presence, she gradually calmed down and learnt to recognise and manage her feelings. After a few weeks, she was able to wait her turn and cooperate with the others – and for the first time, she experienced what it meant to be successful within a community.

I believe that every child has this potential – we just need to find the way to it.

In my experience, teachers working with children facing multiple disadvantages and living in extreme poverty are extremely dedicated, yet often lack the necessary tools. They have no opportunity to learn methods that could bring about a real breakthrough.

This fundraising campaign was launched so that at least 5–8 teachers can take part in a specialised training course free of charge, and then, with the help of a mentoring programme, safely launch their own therapeutic sessions. A teacher’s work can have an impact on the lives of as many as 10–15 children, so the programme can provide real help to 50–100 children in its very first year.

We will use the donations received for the following:

– providing training for teachers

– running a mentoring programme

– launching therapy dog-assisted sessions

This is not a one-off initiative: teachers will continue to use the knowledge they have gained in the long term, so the impact of the support will be felt for years to come.

I believe that every child deserves the chance to connect, develop and experience a sense of security. A therapy dog often acts as a bridge between the world and the child.

Help now so that a child won’t be left alone with their world tomorrow.

Thank you for helping to ensure these children get a chance – and that teachers are given the tools to bring about real change.