58 schools in Saxony to receive financial support

A total of 58 schools in Saxony are currently taking part in the so-called Startchancen program run by the federal and state governments. "The program is a great opportunity to decouple educational success from social background and ensure greater educational equality," said Christin Melcher, education policy spokesperson for the Greens. She had submitted a minor question to parliament on the subject.

One aim of the program is to "equip young people with the necessary skills for a self-determined life". Schools with particular challenges in particular need targeted support here.

20 billion for educational equality

In the summer, the federal and state governments agreed on the implementation of a Startchancen program. This is intended to provide targeted support to schools with a high proportion of socially disadvantaged pupils. The federal and state governments plan to invest a total of around 20 billion euros by 2034. A total of 28 elementary school and 30 secondary schools across Saxony will take part in the Startchancen program in the 2024/25 school year.

"With the German Children and Youth Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs has secured a strong partner for the implementation of the program," said Melcher. Now it is up to the ministry to create the necessary accompanying and support structures in the cultural administration. "A program of this size does not manage itself - especially as the participating schools and school administrators do not receive any compensation, for example in the form of reduced hours." This is common practice in other federal states. Melcher therefore appealed to the Ministry of Education not to outsource the implementation of the program.