Berlin’s Educational Response to Ukrainian Influx: Deutsch-Ukrainische Schulen and Beyond
The ongoing war in Ukraine has displaced countless families, including children and youth of school age. In response, the Berlin government has established initiatives to facilitate their educational needs, including the establishment of Deutsch-Ukrainische Schulen (German-Ukrainian Schools).
Deutsch-Ukrainische Schulen: A Bridge Between Cultures
At present, around 8,500 Ukrainian children and youth are enrolled in Berlin schools, with only a small fraction attending one of the two designated Deutsch-Ukrainische Schulen. These schools, located in Steglitz and Kreuzberg, provide a unique environment that caters specifically to their needs.
The curriculum at the Deutsch-Ukrainische Schule in Steglitz is designed to ease the transition of Ukrainian students into the Berlin school system, while also laying the groundwork for a potential seamless return to their home country’s educational framework. To this end, the school prepares students for both Berlin and Ukrainian qualifications in grades 9 and 11.
To complement the secondary offerings, there are plans to establish a corresponding upper secondary program at the neighboring Hermann-Ehlers-Gymnasium. These three schools are part of the "Deutsch-Ukrainische Schule Berlin" pilot project, an initiative jointly agreed upon by the Berlin Education Administration and the Ukrainian Ministry of Education.
Special Support for Ukrainian Students
Beyond the Deutsch-Ukrainische Schulen, Berlin has implemented specialized support measures for Ukrainian students. As of January 8th, 2023, around one-third of the 8,551 Ukrainian refugee students in Berlin attend designated welcome classes. These classes are open to all refugee students but include a significant proportion of Ukrainian children and youth.
The former Tegel Airport refugee accommodation currently houses 300 school-aged individuals who attend a dedicated welcome school. Plans are underway to establish a similar school at the large refugee shelter in Tempelhof.
Expanding Capacity and Collaborating with Ukraine
The German-Ukrainian cooperation in the field of education extends beyond these initiatives. The Bildungsverwaltung and the Ukrainian Ministry of Education have agreed to further expand the project, with a Ukrainian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Education Dmytro Zavgorodnii recently visiting Steglitz to witness the progress firsthand.
Conclusion
Berlin’s educational response to the influx of Ukrainian refugees is multi-faceted, providing a range of options that meet the diverse needs of these students. The Deutsch-Ukrainische Schulen offer a tailored approach that balances integration and the possibility of return. Special welcome classes and designated schools within refugee accommodations provide additional support.
As the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, the Berlin government is committed to adapting and expanding its educational offerings as necessary. The ongoing collaboration with Ukrainian authorities ensures that the educational needs of displaced children and youth are met in a timely and effective manner.
