Minister of Education advise: Security at schools in the focus of the conference

Minister of Education advise: Security at schools in the focus of the conference

Klütz, Deutschland - The education landscape in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is the focus these days, because in Klütz the Minister of Education for the Ministerial Conference. Under the chair of Simone Oldenburg (left), Bothmer Castle is advised on important topics. Above all, digital education is within the scope of the digital pact 2.0, which is hotly discussed in the political arena, which can come up with a total investment of five billion euros. But in addition to technological progress, parents and teachers are very concerned about security in schools, especially after several regrettable incidents, including a recent incident in which a girl had to go to the hospital, the colleagues from the Ostsee newspaper report.

In the talks, Tobias Lankow, the chairman of the State Parental Council, emphasizes that despite progress in digitization, the security and protection of children should be a top priority. Lankow's view is supported by the increasing violent crimes at schools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which give the reason for concern.

focus on digital education

The digital pact 2.0, which was decided in December 2024, represents a massive step towards better digital education. The goals are clearly defined: improvement in digital infrastructure, modern end devices and innovative teaching and learning methods should find its way into schools. "We have set a good goal and invest strongly in the future of our schools," says Lankow, who also alerts the lack of skilled workers and the correct use of smartphones and artificial intelligence (AI).

Important information is that the financing of the pact will be divided evenly between the federal and state governments, each with 2.5 billion euros, which opens up new opportunities for school providers to eliminate their infrastructural deficits. In preparation for this, the federal states have to specify specific measures by mid -February 2025 to implement the initiative sustainably, as the Federal Ministry of Education and Research records in a press release.

difficulties and challenges

Despite this promising financial support, there are challenges that cannot be ignored. A study by the Education and Science Union (EW) shows that less than twenty percent of the funds of the first digital pact were called up by the end of 2021. This is not least due to the application procedure perceived as complicated, which many schools prevent from applying. "We have to reduce these bureaucratic hurdles," the GEW demands.

Another point that is up for discussion is the unequal distribution of funding. Particularly disadvantaged schools often do not benefit sufficiently, which can increase social inequalities in the education system. The digital pact should at least part of the gap here, but compliance with the funding criteria urgently needs to be checked. Schools in difficult locations have to receive more support to create equal opportunities.

In the Rostock area, large construction projects are also being planned, including a new educational construction on the Neuer Markt with a modern library and a market hall that show that there are also visionaries in the region that go beyond digitization.

In the end, the question remains: What does the future of schools in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania look like? An education that offers security and at the same time accepts digital challenges is to be desired. It is to be hoped that the ministerial conference will correct the course and initiate the necessary steps in order to ensure not only the technical but also the social future of education. The discussion about this important topic will surely continue in upcoming meetings.