Are you and your family in Germany as asylum seekers? Then of course you want your children to do well - and be able to go to school. But how does that work? Do you get help? And what do you have to do yourself?
Do my children have to go to school?
Yes! In Germany Compulsory schooling - also for children in the asylum procedure. This means: All children have the right to an education. And they have to go to schoolas soon as they are registered.
Compulsory schooling begins in most federal states with 6 years.
What support will my children receive?
Children in the asylum process receive support - often more than many people think:
1. School place & German language support
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Your child gets a place in a Elementary school or secondary school (depending on age).
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In the first few months, it often gets into a "Welcome class" or "Language learning class"to learn German.
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It then moves to a normal class.
Example:
10-year-old Sara comes from Iraq with her family. She is initially placed in a language class. After six months, she attends regular classes with other children.
2. School supplies & clothing
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You can use the Social welfare office or at the Job center submit an application to get money for school supplies - e.g. school bags, exercise books, sneakers.
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Many cities and initiatives also offer Donations in kind (e.g. used clothing or satchels).
3. Lunch & Excursions
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In many schools there are free lunch for children from low-income families.
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Also Excursions or school trips are often paid - but you can Benefits from the education and participation package request.
4. School social work & counseling
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In many schools there are Social workerswho help when there are problems - e.g. with language, bullying or worries at home.
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There are also Parent consultation hours with interpretersso that you can have your say.
What do you have to do yourself?
Of course you will get support - but there are a few things you have to do yourself as a mother or father:
1. Register your child with the school
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The Immigration officethat Social welfare office or ae **Social workerin your accommodation**.
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You will be given an appointment at a nearby school.
2. Send to school regularly
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Your child must on time every day go to school.
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If it is sick, you must take it to school. apologize (e.g. with a call or a note).
3. Staying in contact with the school
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Attend appointments with teachers (e.g. parent-teacher conferences).
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Ask if you don't understand something - you have the right to translation or help.
Example from everyday life:
Khaled lives with his wife and three children in shared accommodation in Bavaria. His daughter is 7 and wants to go to school. The social worker helps him with the registration. His daughter is enrolled in a language class and receives free lunch. Khaled applies to the social welfare office for 174 euros from the education package for school supplies.
Who will help you?
Here are a few places you can turn to:
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Social workers in the accommodation
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Youth welfare office / school board your city
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Caritas, Diakonie, AWO, Red Cross
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Migration advice centers for parents
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School social work directly in the school
