Five weeks after the start of the Russian war against Ukraine, more than 8,000 pupils from Ukraine have now arrived at Bavaria’s schools. To this end, around 300 so-called pedagogical welcome groups have already been set up across all types of schools. This was announced by Minister of Education Michael Piazolo (free voters) on Friday in Munich. “I am deeply impressed by the solidarity and the extraordinary commitment of the students, the parents and, above all, the teachers,” said Piazolo. He also thanked the regional steering groups, which organized the school offers on site very quickly and with outstanding commitment.
The children and young people in the welcome groups have so far been cared for by around 1,000 people. According to the ministry, in addition to active teachers, this includes students studying to become teachers, retired teachers or others who have professional experience in caring for children and young people, such as social workers. According to the Ministry of Education, around 200 of the supervisors also speak Ukrainian. Some of the children and young people from Ukraine are also taught in regular classes. According to the ministry, this is possible if they have sufficient German language skills.
The ministry is still looking for women and men who would like to help look after the refugee children and young people. To this end, under the heading “Become a welcome force now” set up its own registration portal. “More children and young people will come to our schools. The refugees need your support. Please register,” said Piazolo.