“Laptops will continue to be distributed to students from the 5th to the 12th grade,” said Bence Rétvári, the region’s KDNP parliamentary representative in Vác. The Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior (BM) spoke before the distribution of computer equipment at Petőfi Sándor Primary School, saying that the delivery of notebooks, which parents could request through the KRÉTA system, began on October 22.
The government provided HUF 32 billion for the purchase of laptops this year
– The government can provide all the required machines, and they even supply laptops for schools – emphasized Bence Rétvári. – The program has been running for years, and this year will see the completion of every Hungarian student, from 5th to 12th grade, who requested a laptop, received an IT device that meets today’s needs – said the state secretary. He drew attention to the fact that a decade and a half ago, families even had to pay for textbooks, while today students not only get textbooks for free, but also laptops.
He added: the government provided 32 billion forints for the purchase of laptops this year, the expenditure has now exceeded 200 billion forints considering the purchases of the past years. By the end of this year, the number of laptops distributed across the country will reach 579,000, including data from previous years. Of these, 16,000 devices will be handed over in Pest county in these two months, and almost 600 devices will arrive in Vác, said the state secretary.
So far, more than 3,000 laptops have been distributed in Vác
This time, 1,334 laptops will be delivered in three days to the maintained institutions in the three districts belonging to the Váci Education Center. Referring to Vác, he pointed out that more than three thousand pieces have been distributed in the city in the past two years. In this fourth round, 375 will be handed over in the following week. The Petőfi Sándor Primary School received 257 paper tops in two years, and now the fifth graders will have access to 37 devices.
Sándor Csánki, the director of the Sándor Petőfi Primary School in Vác, said that digital whiteboards and projectors have long been used in the school for learning in accordance with digital competencies. “It’s a leap in quality when students can work with their own laptops,” he said. He added that the first round of requests for these devices were those families who did not have the means or opportunity to use their own devices at home.
Source: MTI/0627.hu
Photo: Csaba Szabó
Cover photo: János Pánczél, director of the Váci Education Center, Bence Rétvári and Sándor Csánki, directors of the Sándor Petőfi Primary School in Váci
Interview: Time.news Editor Interviews Bence Rétvári on the Government’s Laptop Distribution Program for Students
Time.news Editor: Good day, Mr. Rétvári! Thank you for joining us. The recent laptop distribution program aims to equip students from 5th to 12th grade with essential technology. Can you elaborate on this initiative and its significance?
Bence Rétvári: Thank you for having me! This initiative is crucial in bridging the digital divide among students. By providing laptops to 5th to 12th graders, we are ensuring that every child can access the tools necessary for their education, especially in a world that increasingly relies on digital literacy.
Time.news Editor: It’s wonderful to see such a commitment to education! You’ve mentioned that the government allocated HUF 32 billion for this year’s laptop purchase. How does this funding compare to previous years, and what impact does it have on the overall educational infrastructure?
Bence Rétvári: That’s correct. This year’s allocation is part of a larger strategy that has seen expenditures exceed 200 billion forints over the years for educational technology. The impact is significant; not only are we providing modern laptops, but the overall framework of education has transformed. Ten years ago, families had to pay for textbooks, and now we are supplying both textbooks and laptops for free. This shift symbolizes our commitment to making education equitable.
Time.news Editor: It certainly shows a positive trend in governmental support for education. In the recent distribution, how many devices have been delivered thus far, and what’s the target by the end of this initiative?
Bence Rétvári: As of now, over 3,000 laptops have already been distributed in Vác alone, with plans to deliver a total of 579,000 devices nationwide by year’s end. In Pest County, we aim to provide around 16,000 laptops in the next two months, enhancing the educational experience for our students.
Time.news Editor: That’s a remarkable number! János Pánczél mentioned this is the fourth phase of your distribution efforts. How has the response been from students and families regarding these laptops?
Bence Rétvári: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Parents appreciate that we are addressing a critical need, and students are excited about having access to technology that prepares them for their future careers. Feedback indicates that the laptops not only assist in their studies but also keep them engaged and connected.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a transformative experience for the students. Looking ahead, do you foresee any changes or expansions to this program in the coming years?
Bence Rétvári: Absolutely! As technology evolves, we will continue to adapt our programs. We recognize the need to not only provide devices but also to ensure that students are taught how to use them effectively. Future plans may include enhanced training for teachers and students alike to maximize the benefits of this technology.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Rétvári, for your insights and for the government’s continued efforts in enhancing education through technology. This initiative is certainly paving the way for a more inclusive learning environment.
Bence Rétvári: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see the positive impacts of this program and am hopeful about the future of our students and the educational landscape in Hungary.