The Comenius choir was ready to sing in the governmental Bôrik hotel for the start of the festive ceremony. At the end of March, the Education Ministry celebrated Teachers’ Day (March 28). On this occasion, more than 60 teachers and lecturers were awarded for their work.

The planned start of 11:00 had been postponed, however, as everyone was waiting for the Education Minister, Martina Lubyová (SNS). She arrived 20 minutes late, apologising and explaining that due to the turbulent March events, she had to address urgent issues.

The ceremony that followed was somehow reminiscent and symbolic of the state of the Slovak education sector. The laboured presentation of the host, the ostentatious style, the use of formal phrases between the ministry representatives and the teachers.

Shortly after the scientist Lubyová was nominated by the Slovak National party (SNS) for the position to replace the office worker, Peter Plavčan, the new minister said one of the reasons she accepted the offer was because “nationalistic feelings” connect her with SNS. In this tone, the choir sang the hymnal song Aká Si Mi Krásna, hailing the beauties of Slovakia, at the end of the programme meant for teachers. At times, the atmosphere in the hall was reminiscent of the communist-time celebrations of 30 years ago.

Vain hopes
When Martina Lubyová, long-time academic from the Slovak Academy of Sciences and daughter of its former chairman Štefan Luby, came to work at the ministry, the expert public had hope that things would improve. 18 months later, most people have abandoned the initial enthusiasm...read more on Slovak Spectator