What do Donors think about Divé maky?
ELENA KOHÚTIKOVÁ, BANKER
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I learned about the Divé maky program as soon as it was founded. I found it interesting that the program was focused on developing the talent of Romany children, while at the same time they were obliged to continue their education. I also appreciate the way the money of sponsors is handled. No money goes to the family of the child but to professional tutors. This ensures control over every euro spent, and the money is used only for the benefit of the child.
2, Why did you decide to support a child from the Divé maky
program?
I believe that improvement of the social situation of Romany citizens and their
increased inclusion into the society goes hand in hand with education. And the
change must start with children who have the chance to educate themselves and at
the same time to develop their talent. This is necessary not only to improve
their living conditions, but also to set positive examples to others.
3, You have been a Divé maky donor for five years already. How have Divé
maky changed in your view since their beginning?
They are much more professional, they do high quality work with children as well
as with sponsors, and they have gained respect within the society.
4, How has the child you supported changed? Do you see any
progress?
Unfortunately the first child I supported did not have adequate background
within the family. The critical years of puberty influenced his further
involvement in studies, practices and talent development. My second child
(Editor's Note: Gerhard Sendrei) has been very industrious – he achieves
great results in school, he earns distinctions and at the same time keeps
improving in his area of talent. Last year Gerhard became the Champion of
Slovakia in his category of Latin American dancing.
5, Do you recall an interesting experience with Divé maky or with the
child you sponsor?
I go and support Gerhard when the Divé maky children have their meetings, and
I observe him in work. What I enjoy the most are performances such as The
Gipsy Bashavel. This is where I always meet his parents. The young gentleman
never forgets to bring me a bouquet of flowers to thank me for the year of
support.
6, Did you get a chance to attend any event by Divé maky? If yes, which
one did you like the most and why?
As I mentioned, I try to attend every event if my schedule allows that. What
I like the most, as probably everyone else, is The Gipsy Bashavel and special
concerts.
7, What would you wish to Divé maky for the future?
A lot of great and generous sponsors, Romany children who are thirsty for
education and appreciate the chance being offered to them, and a plenty of those
who will join the project by supporting a specific child. At the same time
I wish a lot of successful years for those who administer and organize this
project – that is Divé maky and PRO DONUM.
ZUZANA KALIŇÁKOVÁ, ENTREPRENEUR
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I can say I have been connected with the Divé maky program since its very beginning. The whole idea came from my friend Vladka Dolníková. Whenever she came back from a Romany settlement she would talk to me about the number of talents that needed to spend their free time meaningfully. For long years she had been dreaming about the project to allow Romany children to develop their talent. I am happy she succeeded.
2, Why did you decide to support a child from the Divé maky
program?
I think it is beautiful to help on the way towards better life and dream
fulfillment.
3, You have been a Divé maky donor for five years already. How have Divé
maky changed in your view since their beginning?
In the meanwhile Divé maky became anchored in the consciousness of a lot of
people. More and more people visualize talented Romany children whenever the
name of the program is dropped. A great team was formed – people who do
their work from their hearts and enthusiastically.
4, How has the child you supported changed? Do you see any
progress?
I support two children – well, they are already past their childhood. Both
turned 18 last year. Gerald grew up to become a young man who transferred from
the Secondary School of Arts in Košice to the Liszt Academy in Budapest.
I admit when I first heard him playing the piano, tears started to run from my
eyes. And Monika grew up to become a beautiful young lady who studies at the
Private Secondary School of Design in Bratislava, where she can develop her
visual arts talent. I already own a nice collection of her work. Her talent was
obvious to everyone who received a “Donor's Certificate” for this
academic year. Every piece is an original designed by Monika. I take pride in
both children
5, Do you recall an interesting experience with Divé maky or with the
child you sponsor?
I greatly appreciate how Gerald tried to improve his Slovak, despite of being
of Hungarian origin and studying in Budapest. (I believe I was one of the
reasons he tried).
6, Did you get a chance to attend any event by Divé maky? If yes, which
one did you like the most and why?
I try to participate in all events; the one that really touched me was the
Christmas Concert at the Church of St. Claire, coinciding with the launch of the
first CD by Divé maky. I spent the whole time in awe, even shedding tears.
I was so thrilled I bought 10 CDs immediately and distributed them to my
friends as Christmas presents.
7, What would you wish to Divé maky for the future?
I wish the Divé maky team to be able to eliminate the barrier between the
minority and the majority population in Slovakia, by creating a new way for
talented Romany children. To the Divé maky children I wish they will be able
to walk their path with full responsibility until they reach their goal.
MARIÁN VALKO, LAWYER
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From Mrs. Elena Kohútiková.
2, Why did you decide to support a child from the Divé maky
program?
The program is very well organized and can help in the search of new talents
among the Romany community.
3, How many years have you been supporting Divé maky?
I have been a donor for about 3 years.
4, How has the child you supported changed? Do you see any
progress?
I see great progress in my child. I think he appreciates the chance and wants
to work hard.
5, Do you recall an interesting experience with Divé maky or with the
child you sponsor?
I joined a lot of interesting Divé maky activities.
6, Did you get a chance to attend any event by Divé maky? If yes, which
one did you like the most and why?
The concerto at the St. Claire's Church was great, as well as the most recent
edition of The Gipsy Bashavel at the Červený Kameň castle.
7, What would you wish to Divé maky for the future?
A lot of donors and sponsors.
FEDOR FLAŠÍK, ENTREPRENEUR AND MONIKA BEŇOVÁ, EU PARLIAMENT DEPUTY
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We learned about the Divé maky program from one of your industrious activists who approached me and my wife. Since I have been involved in charity work since 1994 and Monika has had her own charity foundation Solidarity for 10 years, it was natural and a joy for us to get involved in the project. I think it makes sense.
2, Why did you decide to support a child from the Divé maky
program?
It is very important to support the children who are gifted and for various
reasons cannot develop their talent. Supporting these talents is important in
the long run since they may become positive role models for others. It is of
uttermost importance.
3, How many years have you been supporting Divé maky? How have Divé maky
changed since their beginning from your point of view?
I cannot give a precise estimate how many years we have been donors. But
I think the Divé maky program is on the right track and we are great fans of
this idea and we support it. We observed great progress in their communication
with the public. The Divé maky program is increasingly making itself heard and
this is great.
4, How has the child you supported changed? Do you see any
progress?
I cannot assess this exactly, however, I think every child, who is given the
chance to do what they like to do, can move forward by leaps and bounds. Not
only in technical skills but in their mental mindset – which will guide them
across their entire lives.
5, Do you recall an interesting experience with Divé maky or with the
child you sponsor?
We met with the first child we supported. It was a little girl who studied
singing. Her name was Szarkézy and she was very kind, spontaneous and thankful.
That is enough for us.
6, Did you get a chance to attend any event by Divé maky? If yes, which
one did you like the most and why?
Unfortunately, since we are very busy – especially my wife – we have never
attended any event. But I promise we will change for the better and definitely
try and come see you all.
7, What would you wish to Divé maky for the future?
A lot of perseverance, courage and creative ideas. And to conjure as many
smiles on childrens' faces as possible.
KRISTÍNA KRIŽANOVÁ, PHYSICIAN
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At the Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts. I was interested because they were an answer to my question, why we cannot help the poor in our country.
2, Why did you decide to support a child from the Divé maky
program?
Because I and my family realized it was wise and kind.
3, How many years have you been supporting Divé maky? How have Divé maky
changed since their beginning from your point of view?
For four years? I presume. Divé maky grew up and now they have
firm roots.
4, How has the child you supported changed? Do you see any
progress?
Our Brigitka is a wonderful young lady. She is nice, kind, truthful, beautiful
and hard-working.
5, Do you recall an interesting experience with Divé maky or with the
child you sponsor?
All of it is interesting. I met with Brigitka in Košice, it was
very nice.
6, Did you get a chance to attend any event by Divé maky? If yes, which
one did you like the most and why?
Two years ago at The Romany Bashavel at the Červený Kameň castle. It was a
meeting of many nice people – never mind some technical imperfections.
7, What would you wish to Divé maky for the future?
The same thing I wish to all charitable, good and reasonable projects: that
they do not become extinct…
LUCIA HABLOVIČOVÁ, THE FOUNDER OF CIVIC ASSOCIATION SVETLUSKA
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I learned about the program from my acquaintances and I got interested in the idea the first time I heard it. I like the concept of helping talented children and I do not discriminate against any skin color.
2, Why did you decide to support a child from the Divé maky
program?
We have a lot of talented, skillful and successful children in Slovakia. Not all
of them however get the opportunity to develop their talent and transform it
into success. That is why I decided to lend a helping hand to a promising young
singer who can turn her talent and her dream into reality.
3, How many years have you been supporting Divé maky? How have Divé maky
changed since their beginning from your point of view?
I have been a donor for five years now and my Anetka is becoming an adult
woman. I think the Divé maky program is developing in similar way. They
mature, become wiser and ever more skilled.
4, How has the child you supported changed? Do you see any
progress?
Great progress was evident with Anetka as soon as in the course of the first
year. Obviously, ever since she has been studying at the Conservatory of Music
in Prague, her talent has been developing even more. I am very proud
of her.
5, Do you recall an interesting experience with Divé maky or with the
child you sponsor?
I am trying to be in contact with Anetka even outside of her Divé maky
activities. I am also in contact with her family and I am happy about every
success she achieves.
6, Did you get a chance to attend any event by Divé maky? If yes, which
one did you like the most and why?
I attended many events but the one I love the most is The Gipsy Bashavel. It
takes place in the beautiful ambiance of the Červený kameň castle and always
features the very best of the Romany culture.
7, What would you wish to Divé maky for the future?
I wish Divé maky a lot of extraordinary children and a lot of donors with big
hearts who are aware that their own success allows them to help others.