opinion
Column: This is the boomer speaking
Why are the students so indifferent to politics?
Germany needs an education offensive, says our author Frank Schmiechen (ro)
© Felix Kästle / DPA
Schoolchildren in Germany have suffered in the past 18 months. In body and soul. Now Berlin wants to save millions on schools, of all places. Politicians emphasize again and again how important education is. How can that be? Our author asks himself.
From Frank Schmiechen
For years, the subject of education and equal opportunities has been at the top of the agenda of the SPD, the Left and the Greens. Everything should get better, it says in Sunday speeches. For a smarter Germany. So a lot should be possible with the new traffic light government. Education expert Martin Habersaat says there is a shared willingness to continue investing in schools, renovating buildings and improving digital equipment. Well, we’re looking forward to it!
But where does Mr. Habersaat actually get his optimism from? Let’s just take a look at Berlin. A red-red-green coalition rules there. And it will very likely continue to rule. But what has happened in the German capital in terms of education in recent years has been a pure horror show. But that’s not all. Now of all schools should save 47 million euros, reports the RBB “Abendschau”.
Saxony does more with less money per student
Berlin spends the most money per student nationwide. Well We always had enough money for education here. Even if it wasn’t our own. Berlin spent 10,400 euros per student. But the results are disastrous. Saxony manages to be ahead in all nationwide performance tests with 7800 euros, the capital has to sit down.
Before the election, a prominent committee was convened to monitor efforts to improve Berlin’s education system. Many parents found hope. We haven’t heard of it since the election. Again just the usual platitudes that have pacified us for years. More investments, more equal opportunities and away with the smelly toilets. But apart from a few announcements and even more ideology, unfortunately nothing happens. It keeps stinking.
Money for the digital pact is not called up
Even in the joint exploratory paper of the SPD, Greens and FDP there is little to be found on education policy. Yes, there is currently a program called “Action Program: Catching Up After Corona for Children and Young People.” Two billion are made available here by the federal government. Hopefully someone will call the funds. With the so-called digital pact (6.5 billion euros) this works very slowly or not at all. Only an eighth of the funds have been used. Digital? Really does not matter!
The students in Germany suffered the Corona period. With injuries to body and soul. There is a lot of catching up to do. It would be time to start an educational offensive that has more to offer than vague promises that “social inequalities should be reduced” and funds that no one is calling for.
Schools need an educational offensive
Yeah yeah Schools are a matter of the state. Thank you for this wisdom. Also on behalf of my children. How about if Germany now breaks up encrusted structures, breaks new ground and finally gets into the hoofs? Education is a task for society as a whole. And many institutions and companies would be ready to be part of a real education offensive in Germany. Annalena Baerbock from the Greens suggested that too. But what the Greens are currently delivering in Berlin is, unfortunately, exactly the opposite.