OUR PARENTS’ LIFE IN THE 1970-80s
OUR GENERATION
EDUCATION- Academic standards were high and
discipline was strict. Every child had to be a pioneer
(similar to scouts in the USA) from the age of 6-14.
There were summer camps for pioneers, where
children learnt to build friendships and the importance
of working for the benefit of the community. From the
age of 10 students had to learn Russian. At the age of
18 they had to decide what they wanted to do: go to
work or study. If they wanted to study, it was
recommended to be a member of KISZ which was the
Communists Youth Union.
We went to kindergarten at the age of three and
started primary school at the age of six. Usually
we were in school till 16.30 and went home only
after. That changed when we were ten, and spent
the afternoons with sport activities or learning to
play music. We received our first mobile phone
when we were ten, and started to socialise
digitally. Our favourite applications are facebook,
whatsapp, Instagram, twitter and we are online
almost 24/7.However, we like parties and
concerts, and meeting friends face to face
downtown. There are also big shopping malls
with cineplaxes, bowling and party places.
Voluntary work is also important for us, we
believe in social responsibility. We like freedom
and want to decide about our future: which
university, job or family status. We can also freely
travel around the world ( which was not allowed
to our parents before 1989). - Málna Galambos
SHOPPING POSSIBILITIES- There were only 3 shops
which didn’t sell food. One of these shops sold
equipment for school. For example clothes for
celebrations or gym dress or school jacket. School
jackets were compulsory but kids didn’t have to wear
the same.
TRAVELLING ABROAD- They had 2 passports: a blue
one and a re