PROJECTS
AROUND THE WORLD
Explore the paths of our various and meaningful projects and learn about our positive impact on the world across countries and continents.
HOW WE WORK?
The Planetrise Cultural and Environmental Association operates both independently and in collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations, institutions, churches and companies at national and international levels.
Our association is committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to sustainable development—particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, environmental protection, community development, and food security.
Our mission is to promote sustainable development, preserve cultural diversity, and encourage healthy lifestyles at all levels of society, in order to help build a more livable and unified world.
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN EMERGING COUNTRIES, NORWAY AND DENMARK
The aim of the project is to enable participants to join development initiatives in African countries after completing several months of preparatory training in Europe. These training programs, held in Norway and Denmark, provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for sustainable development. In addition to building key competencies, special emphasis is placed on understanding the needs of local communities and bridging cultural differences.
The projects and programs are initiated by Humana People to People, a national organization and a key partner of our Association.
SUPPORT FOR INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN TRANSCARPATHIA
Following the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022, providing food aid to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Transcarpathian region has become a key humanitarian responsibility. The area has received a significant number of people forced to flee their homes, placing substantial pressure on local communities.
This project aims to ensure the organized delivery of food assistance to those in need, thereby helping to ease the burden on host communities. The initiative is supported by Hungary Helps Agency.
JAPAN: RESEARCH PROJECT AND COLLABORATION WITH DR. KEI HAKATA MIGRATION RESEARCHER
During his visit to Hungary, Prof. Dr. Kei Hakata, a renowned migration researcher, invited the President of our Association to Seikei University in Tokyo to present our organization's activities. As a result of the visit to Japan, a joint research initiative and collaboration were launched between the University and our Association, focusing on the causes of migration and possible approaches to address them.
The aim of this cooperation is to gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and humanitarian impacts of migration, and to explore sustainable solutions to meet these complex challenges.
ANTARCTICA: RESEARCHING THE EFFECTS OF ONGOING CLIMATE CHANGE
The 2023 expedition focused on observing the effects of climate change on the islands and seas surrounding Antarctica. The research team paid special attention to the extent of ice melt, changes in local wildlife, and the long-term consequences of global warming.
The data collected during the expedition contributes to a deeper understanding of climate change impacts and supports the development of sustainable environmental strategies. A documentary film was produced about the expedition and is available on our Association's YouTube channel.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A FOOD PRODUCTION PROJECT IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Since 2008, the research members of our Association have been collaborating with the VÉTO organization, which operates in the Nya-Ngezi region, located in the southern part of Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our joint efforts focus on identifying the key factors affecting food security in the eastern part of the country. In parallel with this research, we operate food production pilot projects, including pig and poultry farming, to contribute to sustainable local food supply solutions.
ETHIOPIA: ORGANIZING AND IMPLEMENTING MEDICAL MISSIONS WITH HUNGARIAN VOLUNTEER DOCTORS
The missions were launched at the request of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, with the support of the Embassy of Ethiopia in Hungary and the Hungary Helps Agency Ltd. Hungarian doctors volunteered to participate in these missions, with the goals of providing medical care in Ethiopia, facilitating knowledge transfer, and establishing professional connections and consultations with their African colleagues. As a result of the mission, Ethiopian neurosurgeons later visited Hungary to continue consultations and foster further cooperation.
UGANDA: EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
This project is implemented in collaboration between the Jane Goodall Institute and the Planetrise Foundation, with key support from the Hungary Helps Agency. Our aim is to improve safe water transportation for the communities living around Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. This includes the construction of school boats, the modernization of docks and piers, as well as the renovation of school buildings on the islands. We also provide swimming lessons to support the daily safety and development of local communities.
RESEARCH: THE IMPACT OF EDUCATION QUALITY ON FOOD SECURITY
The research conducted by the Planetrise Association in Malawi aims to explore the role of education quality and accessibility in achieving food security. The project is based on the doctoral dissertation of one of our members, which investigates the links between education and food security in Malawi. The research focuses on the relationship between education and agricultural knowledge, with special attention to how knowledge can contribute to sustainable food production and enhance the self-sufficiency of local communities.
CICD – INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE, UK
The College for International Co-operation and Development (CICD) is a residential college in the United Kingdom offering various short- and long-term volunteer programs that combine international studies, research, investigations, fieldwork, and unique hands-on experiences in African countries, India, and the Caribbean.
Planetrise Association maintains ongoing cooperation with the college by assisting in student recruitment, promoting its programs, and supporting its outreach efforts.
DURRELL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION TRUST, JERSEY
Since 2017, the Planetrise Association has maintained a close partnership with the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Founded in 1963 by naturalist Gerald Durrell, the organization is dedicated to saving animals from extinction. Its headquarters is located at the Jersey Zoo.
The Trust's mission is to protect and preserve rare and endangered species. Our Association contributes to the breeding programs for endangered species and supports habitat conservation efforts.
MEDICAL MISSIONS IN MALAWI
The primary aim of these missions is to provide assistance through Hungarian volunteer doctors in Malawi. Csaba Szeremley, a member of our Association, has coordinated ten medical teams to date, offering specialized care to thousands of people.
The participating doctors not only carry out examinations and surgeries, but also share best practices with their African colleagues, contributing to the development of the local healthcare system.Under Csaba's leadership, the teams provide dedicated support with a special focus on caring for children and pregnant women, as well as preventing infectious diseases.
TREE PLANTING PROGRAM IN MALAWI
The project aims to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve soil structure in Malawi, Africa. Our collaboration with the Jacaranda Foundation spans several years. Together with the orphaned children cared for by the Foundation, we carry out ongoing tree planting around the institution's premises.
Our Association also donated and delivered 3,000 books to the school run by the Foundation to help enrich its library.
DISCOVER THE WORLD: EXHIBITION SERIES
In 2017, our member Ilona Asztalos taught basic photography skills at the Jacaranda Foundation's school, offering a creative outlet for self-expression to orphaned students.
In 2018, we launched a traveling exhibition titled "Ismerd meg a világot" (Discover the World) featuring portraits of the students, which was met with great success at over 10 venues. The exhibition's special guest was Cecilia Khofi, Miss Malawi.
DONATION: VYSHKOVO, UKRAINE
Our organization supported the realization of a Christmas market in the village of Vyshkovo, located in Transcarpathia, by donating wooden pavilions. The structures were carefully crafted by two of our members in the courtyard of the local ethnographic museum, with attention and care to support the development of the local community. The pavilions contributed to creating a festive atmosphere and helped strengthen community collaboration.
THE MAZE OF KNOWLEDGE – DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF AN INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL TOOL
This innovative tool was envisioned by one of our members, who is also a master carpenter. The interactive educational tool offers an engaging and entertaining way to learn through thematic exploration. Built as a wooden maze covering 100 square meters, the installation presents questions and multiple-choice answers related to specific topics. Choosing the correct answer guides the participant toward the exit, while an incorrect choice leads to a dead end. Participants acquire new knowledge through play and active involvement. The maze has been installed multiple times at festivals and various public events.
BIRD CONSERVATION PROGRAM
This ongoing program focuses on bird protection within the urban and rural areas of Kisvárda, Hungary. To support the initiative, bird feeders and nesting boxes—handcrafted by members of our Association—have been installed in city parks, schoolyards, and surrounding green areas with the involvement of local elementary school students. These tools not only help preserve the local bird population but also provide young people with an opportunity to engage with and develop environmental awareness. The equipment is regularly cleaned and maintained with the help of volunteers.
CONTRAST EXHIBITION
This project is an interactive exhibition that addresses topics particularly relevant to young people—such as drug use, domestic violence, and abortion. Through images, films, interviews, and written descriptions, it presents the suffering and consequences caused by abuse, addiction, and violence. In contrast, it also highlights the beauty and harmony of appreciation, love, family unity, and the miracle of birth. The media materials used—films, photographs, and interviews—create a powerful juxtaposition between the opposing poles of each theme. The exhibition has a strong emotional impact on visitors, clearly illustrating the consequences of certain life choices and offering alternative paths toward a more harmonious life.
The project was initiated by the Reformed Church of Kisvárda, with the Kisvárda Police Department as a collaborating partner and the National Cultural Fund as a key supporter.
RESEARCH: EXPERIENCES RELATED TO PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Our organization conducted this nationwide research on behalf of the Hungarian Catholic Charity Service. The aim of the research was to assess public attitudes toward people living with dementia, evaluate knowledge about dementia, and map the situation of those affected in Hungary—both before and after the Catholic Charity Service's awareness campaign and training sessions. Based on the data collected through the representative study, six textual analytical reports were produced, each covering a different time period.
AUTISM – THE WORLD WITH YOU – ORGANIZATION OF EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE
Our program titled "Autism – The World With You" centered around an exhibition that showcased artworks and handcrafted items created by individuals living with autism. These creations served as messages to neurotypical viewers, offering insight into how and why autistic individuals perceive the world in their unique way. Alongside the exhibition, we organized a conference featuring invited experts who shared their experiences and perspectives on working with people on the autism spectrum. The program aimed to change public attitudes toward autism, promote awareness, and foster understanding.
The project was implemented in partnership with the Autistic Art Foundation and was supported by the National Cultural Fund of Hungary.
SUPPORTING AMATEUR ARTISTS
The goal of the "Supporting Amateur Artists" program is to provide opportunities for performing and visual artists who wish to showcase their creations to an interested audience. One such exhibition took place in Kisvárda and Gyenesdiás, featuring the Italian-born artist Scelsa Giuseppe, known by his artist name Arte di Pino, whose "Art from Waste" exhibition was met with great enthusiasm from visitors. Since then, his works have been displayed in various parts of the country, now by invitation.