The new Hungarian school year starts with unforeseen difficulties

Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

On Thursday, 1 September, the new school year kicked off all over Hungary. Many had hoped for a calmer year as the outbreak of the coronavirus eased, but this school year started off with a number of challenges for students, parents and teachers. The energy crisis and teacher strikes are already making school life difficult, but there is more to come.

School has started, problems are coming

The 2022-2023 school year will not be a smooth one. People have to deal with increasing energy prices, teacher shortages, strikes and even the sixth wave of the coronavirus, index.hu reports.

Under a decree published in the Hungarian Gazette at the end of July, digital education can be ordered at any time. “If the operation of a school is not possible for an unavoidable reason outside the school’s control, the minister responsible for public education may, on the basis of a report from the school’s principal, order a digital extra-curricular work schedule for a limited period of time in the school, place of work, grade or class concerned,” the decree reads.

The most threatening problem of the school year will be the rising energy prices. The Ministry of Interior has asked school districts to assess whether it would be possible to switch from gas heating to wood-burning fireplaces.

Read alsoBudapest assembly sets up fund to offset energy, economic crisis

Online education in winter?

The government warns citizens to save money. László Kisfaludy, deputy state secretary for education, said that above 20 degrees Celsius, there would be no need for heating.

However, the St Benedict’s Primary School in Győrszentiván chose a different approach. The school has scheduled classes for 7 Saturdays, which practice will result in a longer winter break during which the school building does not have to be heated.

According to the Ministry of Interior, public schools also have the option of imposing a six-day school week, telex.hu reports.

Strike and teacher shortages

The Teachers’ Trade Union and the Democratic Trade Union of Teachers are in continuous negotiations with the Hungarian government. The teachers’ aim is to get higher wages which would take some weight off their shoulders. There is a fundamental teacher shortage which is now exacerbated by the strike of the school faculty and the protracted negotiations.