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The Dr. Ámbédkar Schoolaims to provide quality education to young people who grow up in the poorest conditions. Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ámbédkar was born in India as a Dalit (untouchable). Living in poverty and exclusion he was also denied the possibility of proper education. A maharajah noticed the young boy's talent and supported his studies so that, eventually, he became a successful lawyer, minister and civil rights activist. The story of Dr. Ámbédkar is an example for the Hungarian buddhist Jai Bhim Community.The school is present in a number of places in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county (Alsózsolca, Ózd, Sajókaza, Sáta). In this area unemployment is high, there is deep poverty, and most Roma communities regularly face the impact of discrimination. The secondary school offers a new opportunity, a second chance, as it provides for the education of those who have excluded from or fallen out of public education as well as for those young adults who have yet to obtain higher education. One of the key objectives of the school is to apply the principle of equal opportunity to everyone in the school community. The high school strives to provide the possibility to obtain a final certificate (érettségi), but it also aims to generate social change. The school’s motto is “Clairvoyance, right decision, right speaking, good manners, decent living, strong physical training, disciplined attention,deep meditation.” (Buddha)

 

These portraits were made for Amnesty International Hungary in 2012 and 2013.