The Unofficial Story of the Stamily Weekend in Budapest

The title is somewhat ironic. It alludes to the fact that these kinds of reports are usually written by participants, thereby “authenticating” the experience. Here, however, we present the perspective of the organizers.

This report is also somewhat unusual because it starts a little further back. Hungary joined the Stamily “Youth Exchange” program for the first time in 2024, at the invitation of Sybren Bouwsma. At first, there may have been some suspicion surrounding the Hungarians for various reasons, but by now, that has likely passed. Currently, with more than 10 members, it is one of the most active national communities, largely thanks to the (first) Hungarian stuttering association inspired by Stamily itself. The idea of the Budapest Stamily Weekend first took shape in the fall of 2024 in Prague: why not check out the other legendary “imperial city of Central and Eastern Europe” as well? (Getting ready: Austria?) With our Finnish friends, we even held a small pre-meeting of sorts.

Parliament of Hungary in Budapest

The idea of a weekend in Budapest soon expanded to include a nearby small town, Martonvásár, regarded as a “little jewel” (the seat of the Hungarian stuttering association). With it came many challenges: after the 30+ participant weekend in Prague, we had to plan for 50+ people, which would be the largest attendance in Stamily’s history so far. More than just a Youth Exchange…

Fortunately, organizing went smoothly with the help of the Hungarian members, the Martonvásár municipality providing many cheap or free options, and of course the professional Stamily staff. The Hungarian capital (and tiny Martonvásár) is as colorful and exciting a place as Stamily itself – a harmony of contrasts. And people who stutter are both vulnerable and amazing – but above all, a lovable community!

A fantastic attendance

As for the program: the mornings were spent in Martonvásár with various workshops, among which stood out an interactive discussion about the present and future of Stamily, a “Moldvai” folk dance led by students from a Catholic Roma (Gypsy) mission, and a music workshop by the Hungarian musician–music therapist-SLT Mór Antal Szűcs and Yulia Mir Mironova from Ukraine.

The afternoons (and nights), on the other hand, took place in Budapest, organized by the young Hungarian members of Stamily and other participants: a hike on the famous Gellért Hill (with free panoramic views…) and along the Castle District, walks in the Buda Hills, visits to several thermal baths, a video game arcade, exhibitions, an evening boat cruise on the Danube, and of course, the unique world of the “ruin pubs.”

The event’s outcome? First, we hope it will remain a beautiful memory for everyone, all 50 attendees from 18 different countries. Second, that the friendships formed within Stamily will deepen further. Third, that the organization itself will continue to grow stronger. As for us Hungarians, it will no longer depend on us: but who will take up the baton next?