Education Return to Education section list European Education - Why Central Europe is bad news - Part 2 THE IMPACT OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS ON THE ROMA IN CENTRAL EUROPE,  A case of wilful criminal neglect & professional incompetence Sources: see footnote In the first part of this article we outlined how ECRE-European Committee on Romani Emancipation uncovered evidence to show that during the period 1989-2003, the Central European Special school system reverted from being a remedial set up for children with special needs to a Nazi-style set up modelled directly on the Special schools of the Third Reich. The governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia have provided generous financial incentives for rural local authorities to force Roma children into such schools to achieve the modus operandi of the old Nazi system characterized by: no parental choice in where their children are sent fraudulent classifications of children by government paid psychologists broad branding of such normal children as being mentally deficient segregation of the majority of Roma children in rural villages vast fund transfers to those who manage the schools a vibrant "Gypsy business" benefiting members of the mainstream In this second part of this article we review statistics in more detail. SOME INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS During the course of their investigation it became apparent to ECRE that there were large discrepancies between what many assume to be the numbers of Roma children in Special schools and the actual numbers. So in villages where ECRE investigators were told there were a "hand full" of special children or "thirty so", they discovered there were sometimes 100 or even approaching 150 Special children. In the case of the Czech republic the officials use the excuse of "not discriminating, in official statistics, on racial grounds" as a justification for not coming up with realistic figures even although the government agencies have these statistics. Slovak republic agencies were also not forthcoming in terms of provision of accurate official figures. In the case of Hungary there were evasive comments with reference to "data protection" as a basis for not producing accurate figures. This serves to obscure the massive recent increases in Special school children numbers. This increase has occurred since the European Union has called attention to the need to "reduce" the number of Special schools; the numbers of Special schools and or "Special streams" have increased dramatically. HIGHEST LIKELIHOOD ESTIMATES The statistics produced by ECRE were calculated on the basis of what are known as highest likelihood estimates (HLE). An HLE is the most accurate figure available from the combination of official statistics and information gleaned from looking at real local authority documentation, population estimates and local estimates of percentage Roma children in Special schools as well as physically counting the numbers of children in selected communities. HLE estimates, by their nature, can represent an over-estimation of actual numbers or, indeed, an under-estimation of actual numbers. Therefore the statistics presented are an average HLE series. The true figures are likely to fall within boundaries set by +20% and -20% of these averages. (Note, subsequent releases of some figures from the Hungarian government showed that ECRE figures were accurate except for the the year 2003). ECRE never made any claims that their HLEs were absolutely correct figures but they provide a sound basis for estimating the orders of magnitude as to where the real dimensions of the issue lie. DATA SETS The best data series were built up from Hungarian sources and the main statistical series represent the results for Hungary. However, ECRE also gained useful insights on parallel processes evolving in the Czech republic and the Slovak republic. ECRE therefore provided some summarized information for these two countries. This information is compatible with the Hungarian data and therefore provides a basis for comparison of the aggregate figures. All figures, for comparison terms, are quoted in Euro-equivalent at 1st Quarter 2003 exchange rates. FINDINGS The Case of Hungary Aggregate figures During the period 1989 to 2003, Hungarian governments transferred approximately Euro 751.25 million from central budget to Special schools. Roughly Euro 75 million can be accounted for in terms of the salaries of Special school teachers, during the same period. The rest of these funds, that is Euro 676.25 million remain largely unaccounted for. Former period During the whole of the Communist, or Soviet, period Special school transfers remained roughly within expected limits when the normal distribution of children in need of special education needs (some 10,000) are taken into account. So during the 20 years between 1960 through 1980 the total transfers totaled just Euro 112.5 million. Without wishing to rush to judgment it is apparent that the governments and educators working under the old regime did not appear to abuse this system. Towards the end of the "old regime", in the decade between 1981 through 1990 numbers began to increase to around 15,000 and the total funding during that period was Euro 120 million. Hungary 1987-2003 Highest Likelihood Estimates - Average Annual Figures Population of Special schools, the percentage of which Roma and the value of financial transfers* Year Number of Special school children % children Roma Financial transfers in Euro million 61-70 10,000 0.05 5 (50) 71-80 10,000 0.06 6.25 (62.5) 81-90 15,000 0.12 12 (120) 1991 20,000 0.20 16.00 1992 25,000 0.25 20.00 1993 25,000 0.30 25.00 1994 30,000 0.35 34.00 1995 30,000 0.40 34.00 1996 30,000 0.45 36.00 1997 30,000 0.50 36.00 1998 35,000 0.60 42.00 1999 42,500 0.75 68.00 2000 52,500 0.90 84.00 2001 60,000 0.95 96.00 2002 65,000 0.98 113.75 2003 70,000 0.98 122.50 TOTAL     959.75 Hungary 1987-2003 Graphic summary Highest Likelihood Estimates - Average Annual Figures Population of Special schools, the percentage of which Roma and the value of financial transfers* Since 1989 financial allocation has been Euro 751.25 million. All estimates expressed in Euro (1st Q 2003 equivalent) A free market, a freedom to abuse? Abuse set in, and has become more intensive since the collapse of the Soviet economy and the preparation of these countries for EU Membership. Roma parents report a significant rise in the number of their children being forced into Special schools since 1989. For example, the numbers of children in Special schools has gone up three times and the rate of budgetary transfer per child has been increased by more than twice. This means the rate of annual transfer of funds has increased from seven to ten times in spite of the fact that the funds are not spent on the Special school children. LESS THAN TRANSPARENT ACCOUNTING Account management - intentional obscurity The management of local authority books surrounding the Special school transfers is quite elaborate. There are normally two sets of documents. One from the Ministry of Finance setting out what has been agreed in terms of budget transfers. The other is the local authority budget plan. In the cases of large towns there are some differences in that documents reflect their previous negotiations. In the case of most smaller communities and villages the Ministry document is considered to be "normative" providing the allocations to be followed. The transfers are split into multiple budget lines within the local authority books. There are multiple cross-references to payments for extra work and duties within the school functions but none of these are significant. The impression given is that there are literally hundreds of activities which, under normal circumstances, one might expect to absorb the Special school funding; they do not do this. Each budget line however, is so reduced in value that the uninitiated would not notice anything unusual. It therefore is not immediately apparent that a massive block of money is flowing through this system. It is mainly a Roma issue Subsequent investigations showed that the majority of current Special school children are Roma (98%) and in rural regions. WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING? The use of the money ECRE estimates that for Central Europe as a whole, the total value of Special school funding is (2003) in excess of Euro 360 million each year, but as observed above, these funds do not appear to be used in the Special schools. They found no officials in local government or school authorities willing to discuss how the Special school funding is used. There was a wide range of allegation as to where the funds go, from illicit activities through to small amounts being cycled back into the Normal schools. However, the range of allegations is too wide for ECRE to either investigate further or make any prior judgments as to their veracity. THE REAL TRAGEDY The unfortunate picture which is built up from this is that Roma children have been, and are, used as a commodity to gain significant budgetary transfers which are not spent on these same children. The Special schools are, in general, a disgrace, with children spending much time, under teacher supervision, playing. As a result these children become disenchanted with school, languish and end up losing motivation as a direct result of the indifference of the educational system to their real prospects. No matter what justifications Central European educators put on their participation in, supporting and administering this system, it is apparent that they willingly, and knowingly, contribute to the maintenance of an Apartheid Gulag for Roma children at an immeasurable cost to the futures of those same children. It was alleged that the largest increases in Special school children took place during the Fidesz led government between 1998 to 2002 and that financial a transfers also increased substantially. It was alleged that during this period, villages which did not previously have Special schools, suddenly had them and the rates of financial transfer for each child were increased. FAILED MINORITY SELF-GOVERNMENT One of the more complex paradoxes concerning this abuse of Roma children is the fact that the Fidesz government was successful in "managing" Roma issues, in general, by negotiating the placement of Roma representatives, on the Fidesz party list for the election in 2002. It is alleged that the bulk of the content of negotiations revolved more around the payment to be made for agreement to go onto the Fidesz election lists and create a good image for Fidesz and the Hungarian government in the eyes of the European Union. It is also alleged that although the Fidesz government was offering payment to close their agreement electoral agreement, no demands were made, in exchange, by that Roma "leadership", to terminate the abuse of Roma children, who, at that time, were being driven, in increasing numbers, into Special schools. The Hungarian government and Roma leadership, at that time, collaborated in promoting the Hungarian model for minority self-governments for Roma as an example to other EU candidate countries. Some officials from the European Union governments and Commission were indeed misled by this propaganda which some allege diverted attention from more important matters such as the plight of Roma children in Special schools FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS One of the most disappointing issues, for Roma and non-Roma Hungarians alike, to emerge from these events has been that money seems to have been the basis of agreement. There were no accompanying announcements concerning any effective solution to the deepening Special school human rights scandal directly affecting Romani children. These children, all of whom are Hungarian citizens, were therefore let down by this leadership. In this sort of environment, such representation if less effective in looking after the affairs of the Roma and representing their interests in Parliament or anywhere else. HUNGARY 1984-2003 5 year cumulative totals of funds transferred under Special school scheme in Euro millions 84-88 89-93 94-98 99-03 Euro 60 million Euro 85 million Euro 182 million Euro 484 million HUNGARY - SUMMARY Between 1989 and 2003 we estimate that the number or Roma children in Special schools in Hungary increased from some 15,000 to 70,000. During this same period the total financial transfers have been of the order of Euro 751.25 million. Some Euro 75 million can be accounted for in terms of teachers salaries. Some Euro 676.25 million remains unaccounted for. CZECH - SUMMARY 84. Between 1989 and 2003 we estimate that the number of Roma children in Special schools in the Czech republic increased from 15,000 to 65,000 During this same period the total financial transfers have been of the order of Euro 850 million. Some Euro 95 million can be accounted for in terms of teachers salaries. Some Euro 755 million remains unaccounted for. SLOVAK - SUMMARY 88. Between 1989 and 2003 we estimate that the number or Roma children in Special schools in the Slovak republic increased from 10,000 to 80,000. During this same period the total financial transfers have been of the order of Euro 700 million. Some Euro 54 million can be accounted for in terms of teachers salaries. Some Euro 646 million remains unaccounted for. CENTRAL EUROPE - SUMMARY The summary figures for Central Europe are provided in the graph below. This shows that the number of children in Special schools are estimated to have risen from some 40,000 in 1989 to 215,000 in 2003 in spite of the prolonged discussions and undertakings with the European Union to reduce their number and in direct contravention of Article 13 of the European Treaty. Some Euro 2.30 billion was transferred out to local authorities under the Special school scheme during this same period and around Euro 224 million can be accounted for in expenditures of extra teacher salaries. This leaves, for Central Europe as a whole a total of some Euro 2..076 billion not being accounted for within the education domain. Central Europe - 1989-2003 Special school populations, financial transfers funds accounted for and unaccounted for Item Czech republic Hungary Slovak republic Central Europe 1989 Special school population 15,000 15,000 10,000 40,000 2003 Special school population 65,000 70,000 80,000 215,000 Financial transfers Euro 850 million Euro 750 million Euro 700 million Euro 2.3 billion Accounted for Euro 95 million Euro 75 million Euro 54 million Euro 224 million Unaccounted for Euro 755 million Euro 676 million Euro 646 million Euro 2.08 billion This second part of this article has outlined how the remedial school system, which existed under the Communist regime, has, under so-called "democratic governments" reverted back to a fully-fledged Nazi-style Apartheid system which segregates and denies education to Roma children on the basis of the fraud of racial inferiority and low educational capability upheld by school administrators using professionally irresponsible psychologists. Like the Nazi system, this intricate system is used as a basis for transferring funds to mainstream individuals in a massive Euro multi-million "Gypsy business". The third part of this article will review the social impacts of this Nazi system on the Roma and mainstream society. Link to the next part, Part 3 ? Document: ECRE(2003) 002; Updated 18th March 2003  A Report on an Investigation by EUROPEAN COMMITTEE ON ROMANI EMANCIPATION ECRE, European Economic Interest Grouping, THE IMPACT OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS ON THE ROMA IN CENTRAL EUROPE,  A case of wilful criminal neglect & professional incompetence, Brussels, 26 February 2003