Do you know that Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola started as a school for girls? It stands here on Mester Street in Budapest. Let me tell you about its story.
Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola has a long history. It began in 1911. Back then it was called N\u0151i Fels\u0151 Kereskedelmi Iskola. This translates to Women’s Higher Commercial School. A few years later the school adopted the name Teleki Blanka. This honored Countess Blanka Teleki. She was a pioneer in women’s education in Hungary. She had founded the first school for women in the country in the 19th century. The name Teleki Blanka has remained since 1926.
The first director of the school was Dr. Bak\u00e1cs Istv\u00e1n. In its first year 114 students enrolled. Sixteen of them passed the final exam. The school quickly grew. By 1913, there were 352 students.
In 1913, the school moved to this building in Ferencv\u00e1ros. The building itself has a history. It was built in the 1870s. Originally, it was an elementary school with a square shape. However, when Mester Street was widened, the street-facing part was cut off. This gave the building its current U-shape.
Over the years the name of Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola changed several times. In 1955 it became Teleki Blanka Technikum and Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola. By 1967 it was Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola. In 1995 it expanded to Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola and Gimn\u00e1zium.
Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola prepares students for careers in business. It offers courses in logistics, accounting, finance and tourism. Today more than 500 students attend Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola. They range in age from 14 to 22. The school also offers courses for adults.
Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola emphasizes foreign languages. Students learn English. They also study German or Spanish. A B2-level language certificate is required for certain programs.
The school is committed to international partnerships. Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola participates in Erasmus+ programs. These projects connect students with others. They promote cultural knowledge, language skills and open-mindedness.
In April 2024, teachers from Madrid visited Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola. They observed classes and shared information. They discussed the Hungarian school system and teaching methods. They explored future cooperation within Erasmus+.
Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola has been involved in projects. One such project was “Discover Understand Enjoy Share.” It involved schools from Tallinn, Estonia. Students explored their cities and cultures. They developed presentations and shared their findings. They improved their language and ICT skills.
The Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola students organized a welcoming party. They decorated the school with Estonian and Hungarian colors. They prepared food and music. They gave the Estonian teachers books about their country.
Students worked in groups to compare the two countries. They covered culture, traditions, arts and food. They also visited sights in Budapest. They went to Gell\u00e9rt Hill and the Parliament. They learned Hungarian folk dances.
Another project was “Diverse Europe Meeting of Cultures.” It involved a school from Pforzheim, Germany. Students visited both cities. They participated in intercultural programs. They discovered common features and experienced diversity.
The story of Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola is one of growth. It reflects a commitment to education. From its beginnings as a school for girls to its current international partnerships, Teleki Blanka K\u00f6zgazdas\u00e1gi Szakk\u00f6z\u00e9piskola continues to shape futures.