History

In September 1990, the Future of Europe Association was established with the aim of helping the children of Kecskemét become acquainted with children from Europe through Children’s Meetings. The theme was simple: inviting children from the countries of the continent who would be hosted by Kecskemét schools. Foreign children would stay with families and in the following year the foreign groups would invite their hosts for an exchange visit. The only thing the Association asks for from foreign groups is to bring along presents, music, dances and programmes that can be demonstrated without any linguistic difficulties. Csipero the lovely figure of the meetings, has grown up before our very eyes and it is well known and loved all over Europe. So far, we have hosted 8000 children from 80 settlements from 27 countries. The task of the Association is exactly the same after the millenium as it was at its birth: helping the citizens of Europe so that the children of today become a tolerant generation, free from all prejudices and accepting people and their differences.

Csiperó soon became a general favourite at the first Children's Meeting in 1991. An applicant at the Association's call, Ms Csilla Szabó created the kind, round-bellied puppet figure of a birdie. Today a manager of the Alternative English School, she is still firmly committed to the Association and the meetings, and contributes to our activities by overseeing the translations of the Association's applications.

As for the name, it comes from an elementary school student, Dávid Kis. The popular character and the ear-catching name were perfectly fleshed by a song composed by Mr Pál Bertalan Szénási.

 

Csiperó lyrics >> Download Csipero song (mp3) <<

Csiperó, Csiperó heartiness and merriness,
Time of joy and happiness!
Csiperó's our friend, this summer will never end,
We are all here for rejoicement!
Csiperó, Csiperó, a sweet little bird of joy,
This fine feeling none can destroy.
Csiperó's our friend, this summer will never end,
We are all here for rejoicement!

The Csipero bird figure and the Csipero song is under copyright of the Future of Europe Association.