As several German states begin the new school year, the Social Association of Germany (SoVD) is advocating for increased efforts towards educational equity. “We can no longer accept that a child’s educational success is so heavily dependent on their parents’ financial resources. Politicians must stop standing by and finally take action” stated Michaela Engelmeier, head of the SoVD, in comments to the Funke Media Group newspapers.
Engelmeier emphasized that educational equity cannot remain merely a stated ideal, pointing out that while the majority of students begin the school year well-equipped, one in five school children lives in poverty.
While acknowledging positive steps taken in the new federal budget to increase investment in schools for modern learning resources and digital equipment, Engelmeier stressed the need for further improvements. These include fully accessible school buildings, inclusive learning environments and free learning materials. “To achieve this, we need better working conditions for school doctors, psychologists, social workers and special education teachers, as well as simply more teachers” she argued.
The head of the SoVD also called for more targeted programs for students. “A key factor is providing free tutoring and support for disadvantaged children – regardless of their performance or background” Engelmeier said, adding that education is the only way to break the cycle of poverty. “It is high time that we make education fair, modern and accessible and prioritize it accordingly.
The states of Saxony, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt are the first to begin the new school year on Monday.
