“How can we do good?” This simple question echoes across time. It’s inscribed on the Prém Margit bust before us. It was the motto of the Scottish Missionary School in Budapest. A school where Prém Margit served as headmistress.
This bust stands as a testament to a remarkable woman. Prém Margit was a Hungarian teacher. She dedicated her life to education and her students. She headed the Scottish Mission School. This was a unique school. It taught both Christian and Jewish girls together. This was a progressive ideal in a time of growing antisemitism.
The school opened in 1844. It found a permanent home on Vörösmart Street in 1910. Over 25000 students passed through its doors. By the 1920s the school was known as one of Budapest’s most modern schools. Prém Margit herself was a passionate traveler. She visited almost every European country.
Prém Margit worked closely with Jane Haining. Jane was a Scottish missionary. She was the head of the school’s boarding house. They shared a deep friendship and a common goal. The goal was to protect the Jewish girls in their care. The school became a sanctuary. It offered protection from the escalating dangers of antisemitism.
When the Nazis occupied Hungary in 1944 the school was forced to close. A false accusation led to Jane Haining’s arrest. She was accused of working with Jews. Prém Margit and others fought tirelessly to free her. Their efforts were sadly in vain. Jane was sent to Auschwitz. She died there in July 1944.
The horrors of the Holocaust deeply affected Prém Margit. She died before the war ended. She was remembered for her kindness compassion and unwavering faith. Her legacy is one of dedication and courage in the face of unimaginable evil. Her bust serves as a powerful reminder of her life. It reminds us of the importance of the school’s motto: “How can we do good?” This question remains relevant today. Let us remember Prém Margit’s dedication to education and humanity. Let her story inspire us to continue fighting against injustice and prejudice.