Minnesota Hungarians

MISI Hungarian Language School--operated by the Minnesota Hungarians offering weekend classes in Hungarian language and culture

On a hot, summer afternoon in 1957 Indianapolis, my grandfather painstakingly taught me to read in Hungarian. Well, he tried anyway. It was one of many such sessions. I think I remember that occasion because it was so hot and I just wanted to go play. While I grew up in a bi-lingual home where we only spoke Hungarian, my grandfather was aware how important it was to also get instruction in reading and writing. There was no weekend language school in Indianapolis. So, he did his best alone.

So it was in Minneapolis. While the community here was, and is, much larger than the one in Indianapolis, the MN Hungarians also did not have a school. Nevertheless, the parents felt a need to do more than just what they could offer their children by themselves. A group of committed parents organized monthly meetings where they read stories, did crafts and observed traditional activities. They met for over 10 years and formed the basis for the opening of a more formal school in April of 2014.

It is the end of 2017 and on November 16, 2017, Minnesotans and donors from all over the country can donate to their favorite charities and non-profits. The Give to the MAX day donations can be made between midnight and 11:59 pm on Thursday, the 16th. You don't have to wait until November 16, you can make your donation NOW and it will upload automatically on Give to the MAX day. 

We are asking you to make a donation to help the school meet its expenses. MISI opened its doors in April of 2014 with 17 students. In this second semester of 2017 we have 24 students enrolled in 3 classes. Unfortunately, the tuition only covers a portion of the operating expenses of the school. As MISI did not receive a grant we were hoping for this fall, we will most likely end this year with a deficit. Your donation can make the difference.

Your donation will help provide for added teaching materials and opportunities. Drawing on established teaching methods for second language learning and infusing the curriculum with games, folk songs, dances and stories, the MISI school plays an important part in educating the children about Hungarian culture and traditions as well the language. We are also trying to raise funds for some additional teaching materials from Hungary. 

• Your donation will strengthen the Minnesota Hungarian community. 

• As an investment in the children, your donation can help to ensure that there will be a Minnesota Hungarians community in the future.

• Your donation will be your way of being an ambassador of Hungarian culture. 

• Your donation will help to guarantee that the children have every opportunity to connect with their Hungarian heritage. 
  

And, if for no other reason, make a donation for the grandfather in YOUR or YOUR CHILD'S life. Thank you for your generosity!

Éva Kish, Executive Director of the MISI Hungarian School, 2014-2017

(What happened to that 6 year old from the front porch in Indianapolis? I lost my grandfather when I was 13, but not before he managed to convey a deep and abiding pride in being Hungarian. In the work I do for MISI, I honor him.)

Video review of MISI Hungarian School at the end of term June, 2017.