Building Bridges in Northern Hungary: A New Initiative Connecting Local and International Communities

A new community initiative is taking shape in Northern Hungary with the aim of strengthening connections between local Hungarian residents and the growing number of international families who have chosen the region as their home. While based in Bükkszék, the newly formed Barátság Bridge – Kulturális Csoport has a broader regional vision, seeking to serve communities in and around Eger, across Heves, Nógrád and Borsod counties, with plans to expand even further over time.

The initiative was brought to life by Perge Kinga, Bükkszék’s cultural coordinator, whose own life journey has included migration and reintegration. Born in Hungary, Kinga moved to the Netherlands at the age of 23 with her partner to build a new life abroad. There she experienced firsthand what it means to start over in a foreign country, working hard, establishing a home, launching a business and raising a child. After fourteen years abroad, she returned to Hungary with her son to begin a new chapter in Bükkszék. Her personal experience of building a life outside her homeland, combined with her active involvement in local cultural life today, shaped her understanding of how essential belonging and community support truly are.

She is joined in the initiative by Zagyva Kimberley, who has lived in Hungary for eleven years after emigrating from the United Kingdom. Although she grew up in Britain, she was born to a Hungarian father, a 1956 Hungarian refugee, and she always felt connected to her Hungarian roots. However, relocating to rural Hungary proved more complex than expected. Language barriers, navigating administrative systems and forming social connections presented significant challenges. Despite having family ties to the country, she found that integration requires time, patience and support. Her experience highlighted how valuable it can be to have access to both practical guidance and a welcoming social network.

The third founding member, Dominique Tomka, was born in Switzerland and trained as a nurse, psychologist and psychotherapist before moving to Hungary in 2010 after marrying her husband, who was also a 1956 Hungarian refugee. Arriving without knowledge of the Hungarian language, she faced years of dependence and isolation, relying heavily on her husband to translate everyday interactions. Employment was not possible without language proficiency, and navigating healthcare, banking and legal matters proved especially difficult. At the time, there were no structured support services for foreign-language speakers in the area. Her experience underscored the vulnerability that can accompany relocation, particularly in rural regions.

Drawing from these shared experiences, the three women recognised a gap in Northern Hungary. While the region offers natural beauty, strong traditions and a deep sense of identity, international residents are often dispersed across smaller towns and villages without access to structured networks of support. At the same time, local Hungarian residents may be curious about their international neighbours but lack a natural forum for connection.