FRUSKA
The FRUSKA research project is a design-focused educational program that supports the social mobility of disadvantaged girls aged 10 to 18 through creativity, making, and shared learning experiences. Rooted in participatory design and mutual learning, the program emphasizes supportive teaching to build self-esteem, autonomy, and the confidence to shape their own environments and futures. Through a four-part workshop series—covering object design and modeling, self-reflection using mirrors, spatial design, and the creation of personalized items—participants engage in the design and customization of everyday objects. These hands-on activities not only teach practical skills but also help the girls develop technological, self-awareness, and social competencies that can improve their long-term opportunities.
Thanks to a fundraising campaign initiated by OTP Bank, the FRUSKA 2.0 initiative is now expanding its reach beyond Budapest with the addition of a mobile workshop bus. The vehicle—converted from a van and co-designed with design students—brings creative infrastructure directly to rural schools, youth clubs, and community centers where such learning spaces have not existed before. The larger goal of FRUSKA is to share this method with educators, social workers, and community leaders, making it adaptable for wider use and helping to foster more resilient, creative, and empowered girl communities across the country.
Research phases
Basic research
In the first phase of the project comprehensive research was conducted, focusing on the social, educational, cultural, and community contexts of disadvantaged girls. Developmental psychologist Lili Horváth and sociologist Fanni Dés participated in the research. The methodology was based on both qualitative and quantitative elements, including focus group interviews, field visits, observations, and workshop-based data collection.
Workshops
The FRUSKA workshops, built upon the research, were held in small communities at various locations. These sessions provided opportunities to test the methods in practice, and incorporate the feedback collected. During the workshops, participants used design-based tools to develop their creative competences, technological and social skills, and self-awareness, thereby improving their long-term opportunities.
Methodology handbook
Based on the research and practical experiences from the workshops, as well as expert feedback, the FRUSKA methodology handbook was developed. The publication presents the theoretical foundations of the program and details the steps and tools for implementation in a structured format. The handbook is intended to serve as a long-term resource for educators, civil society organizations, and community facilitators.
Fundraising
To support the long-term sustainability and growth of the program, we focused on implementing a fundraising campaign. Thanks to the support of OTP Bank’s fundraising initiative, the funds raised were used to purchase and equip a mobile workshop vehicle for the FRUSKA program.
RDI course and van redesign
University students worked in interdisciplinary teams as part of an RDI course to refurbish the interior of the FRUSKA bus. The course focused on designing and constructing a mobile workshop suitable for delivering creative, design-based development sessions tailored to the target group. Via this mobile workshop, girls will be able to take part in hands-on sessions where they can design and personalize various objects.
Workshops in rural areas
The FRUSKA bus functions as a mobile workshop van, traveling to schools, learning centers, and smaller communities in rural areas. The aim of this workshop series is to reach disadvantaged rural regions where there previously were no suitable locations for workshops, thereby bringing opportunities for creative, design based learning, and potentially contributing to the empowerment of girls' communities.
Basic research
Workshops
Methodology handbook
Fundraising
RDI course and van redesign
Workshops in rural areas
