Teaching children to care for the environment, respect nature, and protect its values is something that needs to begin at a very early age. With this in mind, the Cifra Palace Nature-Inspired Nursery has opened its doors in Sarkad. Alongside its alternative educational methods, the nursery also plays an important role in strengthening community ties.
The Municipality of Sarkad began working with the Közös Pont Association back in 2015 to encourage civic participation, deepen commitment to environmental protection, and promote collective thinking. The association has made it its mission to preserve traditional culture while also spreading the values of sustainable, eco-friendly living. In line with this vision, Sarkad’s first Waldorf kindergarten opened in the autumn of 2015. Its success soon created the foundation for establishing the new nursery as well.
Funded by the European Union, the nursery welcomes 24 young children in a modern yet homely setting. What makes it special is its focus on a nature-centered approach: children learn and develop in groups of 5–7, with an emphasis on healthy eating, living in tune with the rhythms of nature, and learning through community.
The benefits go well beyond early childhood development. The nursery helps local mothers return to work, eases the shortage of nursery places in the region, and has created seven new jobs. In addition, a playhouse and community space have been opened, offering talks, workshops, and awareness-raising programs for families.
The Cifra Palace Nature-Inspired Nursery is therefore much more than a modern institution—it is a warm, value-driven community where children learn to respect nature and families find support and belonging.
The development was implemented from EU funding in the project GINOP-5.1.7-17-2018-00110 under the Economic Development and Innovation Operational Programme Plus.
Find out more about the project in the Project Finder: Details
