MET ANNOUNCEMENT: THE SZEGED SCHOOL HAS ALSO BEEN REMOVED FROM THE REGISTER BY THE GOVERNMENT OFFICE

The Wesley János Kindergarten, Primary School and Secondary School in Szeged, maintained by the Hungarian Evangelical Fellowship, received the decision of the Csongrád-Csanád County Government Office to revoke the operating licence of the institution this morning. The school has been removed from the register of public education institutions maintained by private or church authorities. This gives parents less than a full day to find a new school for their children, most of whom are severely disadvantaged and have special educational needs. The decision, which affects 150 children and families, does not even give a chance to resolve the situation.

The Szeged school was due to hand over its renovated gym on Monday, with everything ready for the start of the year and the opening ceremony.

The justification, dated 29 August, refers to financial data from 24 July and public accounts. According to the superintendent, “any delay in implementing the decision would cause significant or irreparable damage to children and pupils”.  Strangely enough, they do not feel that the deprivation of 150 children of a safe and professionally recognised educational environment, of the possibility of development and integration, and of the virtual impossibility of starting the school year, is a damage. And parents are in breach of the law if they do not enrol them in school, but this is an impossible task for them at the moment.

It is appalling, illegal and cruel to leave vulnerable children on the street. We see a concerted campaign of destruction against the HEF institutions, with the government, which is a vocal supporter of child protection, having so far broken the lives of 450 children and families in the Budapest and Szeged institutions, without considering any other options.

The HEF is also seeking immediate legal protection for the Szeged institution, and is asking for the heartbreaking, scandalous and unlawful decision to be suspended, in cooperation with expert legal defence organisations.

The Szeged facility will be open to children from Monday and will provide educational supervision until the situation is resolved.

We are protesting against the inhumane treatment in all possible forums and are fighting for the rights of the children, colleagues and parents with all possible means.