- During a three weeks course, 40 persons were trained in motivation, career-consulting and coaching. They will now apply what they have learned and help reintegrate ex-soldiers to the Hungarian work force, explained Jakob Heradstveit from the Norwegian Defence University College.
The Deputy General Director has over the last years been actively involved in the Norway Grants project “Reintegrating former military personnel into the labour market”. The project has received 1, 8 million Euros from the Norway Grants, and the “training of the trainers” course is an essential part of the project.
- The goal is to help reintegrating former military personnel into the Hungarian work force through training and guidance. The task of preparing ex-soldiers for the civilian labour market cannot be outsourced to foreign experts, which is why it is important to train Hungarian instructors, explained Heradstveit.
Restored self-esteem
The 40 trainers were awarded their certificate at a formal ceremony in the middle of December, and during the ceremony the trainers were praised for their dedication.
Present at the ceremony were Norway’s ambassador to Hungary, Siri Ellen Sletner, Brigiadier General Károly Katona, Rear admiral Louise Kathrine Dedichen and Deputy General Director Jakob Heradstveit. Fotó: Guri Merete Smenes
- You all show a unique discipline and I know that you will do your very best to help soldiers in need, said Rear admiral and director at the Norwegian Defence University College, Louise Kathrine Dedichen.
Also present at the ceremony was Norway’s ambassador to Hungary, Siri Ellen Sletner and the ambassador took time to emphasize the projects importance.
- The Norway Grants give an unique opportunity to strengthen the ties between our two countries. People- to-people cooperation is important as it helps to further develop our bilateral relations. We are therefore especially pleased to see that project like this encourage international contact and mobility.
One of the trained trainers, Catherine Czeglédiné, pointed out that they were very thankful for the opportunity and that they are all leaving with restored self-esteem.
– Through the course my faith has returned, which has been difficult. Now the 40 of us will take the teaching with us as we teach others, said Czeglédiné.
4000 back to work
According to Rear admiral Dedichen was the ceremony a milestone for the project, but she emphasized in her speech that the real job begins now, after the course
– We know that we can make a difference with you. Our goal is self help. You have shown us that this is possible. You have step up for yourself, said Rear admiral Dedichen. Fotó: Guri Merete Smenes.
- Use what you have learned and reap the benefits of the skills in the years to come. Through your training you will help 4000 soldiers back into the work force, but be aware that the transition to civilian life will not be easy. It demands a change of mind in the soldiers and you will help them achieve this, said Dedichen.
Both Dedichen and Heradstveit have several years of experience from similar projects in the Balkans and Norway. This was one of the reasons why they wanted to be a part of the project implemented by the Socio-Political Public Foundation of the Hungarian Army.
– We know that we can make a difference with you. Our goal is self help. You have shown us that this is possible. You have step up for yourself. The Norwegian Defence University College will keep supporting you. I wish you good luck and all the best in your work, underlined Dedichen in her speech.
42 600 soldiers discharged
It was the regime change in 1989, and the transition to a market-based economy, that was the reason for the reduction of the Hungarian army from 150 000 soldiers to a professional force of 29 000 soldiers. In total 42 600 soldiers have been discharged since 1990, and from 2005 to 2008 alone over 11.000 soldiers have been discharged.
According to a survey carried out by the Zrínyi Miklós University of National Defence, 36 per cent of a sample of 20 000 officers and non-commissioned officers discharged from the army since 1990, do not enjoy permanent employment. 37 per cent were unemployed between 12 and 18 months after being discharged, and two thirds said that they expected more help and follow-up from the army.
The course is a milestone in the project and from now on the trainers will help a total of 4000 ex-soldiers back to work. . Fotó: Guri Merete SmenesMany ex-soldiers are still of active and productive age, and to keep them on unemployment benefits is costly, not only to society but also to the individuals, who risk developing social and psychological problems. The core problem is that few soldiers have work experience from a non-military environment, and few are familiar with the basics of job seeking.
The way ahead
The project “Reintegrating former military personnel into the labor market” tackles these problems and will until the end of 2010 focus on professional and vocational training, career consulting and coaching of more than 4000 ex-soldiers. A central office has been established in Budapest and six regional offices and three information points. The program will in this way reach out to ex-soldiers all across the country and the 40 trainers will be in charge of their training.
The project will continue to be implemented by the Socio-Political Public Foundation of the Hungarian Army in cooperation with the Soldiers for Legality and Security in Law Community Interest Foundation, the Hungarian Defence Industrial Alliance and the Zrínyi Miklós University of National Defence. Experts from the Norwegian Defence University College will participate with expertise and training.