Berlin is planning 50 welcome classes for Ukrainian youth aged 16 and over
The Berlin education administration is planning 50 welcome classes for Ukrainian youthwho fled the war in their home country. “We are in the process of 50 welcome classes for Ukrainian youth alone from 16 years set up, many of whom are already learning a trade“Said Education Senator Astrid-Sabine Busse (SPD) on Wednesday to the German Press Agency. “The vocational schools have said they can set this up immediately. I think that’s great.”
At present, according to the Education Administration, there are already independent of the Ukrainian refugees 540 welcome classes in Berlin for current 6000 students. “If there are still places available in these classes, it may also be possible to accommodate Ukrainian children there,” said Busse. “In addition, we are currently in the process of coordinating with the district school authorities to set up more welcome classes.”
“We are intensively recruiting teachers for welcome classes, which is not easy given the nationwide shortage of teachers,” the senator admitted. “But we’re looking across all channels – from ads to social media. Of course, if former colleagues who used to teach Russian apply, that’s also an option.”
The education administration also relies on the people from Ukraine themselves: “We look around and are sure that it is educators among the refugees there, so that groups can certainly be formed in which native speakers are taught,” said Busse.
From Bus’s point of view, the organization of the lessons is a long-distance task. “We also don’t yet know exactly how many thousands of children will eventually come to us. Valid figures are not yet available to us.” It is also a financial feat, she said. “And that’s what we need necessarily funds from the federal government for support, Berlin cannot do this on its own,” said Busse. “It’s not just about the staff. If you need tables and chairs for a few thousand children, lunch, material for the welcome classes, there have to be starter packs for the children – that adds up to something.”
The teaching opportunities for refugee Ukrainian children are still in the preparatory phase – which, from the point of view of the educational administration, can be overcome. “Imagine you are traveling through several countries for days. Then school is not the immediate focus,” said Busse. “People have to calm down for a moment first.” (dpa)
