Expansion of German-Ukrainian Schools for Refugee Students in Berlin

In Berlin, approximately 8,500 children and adolescents from Ukraine are currently receiving educational instruction. However, only a limited number of these students have secured places in the existing German-Ukrainian schools. Currently, a total of 130 spots are available across two institutions: the Helene-Lange Secondary School located in Steglitz and the Aziz-Nezin Primary School in Kreuzberg.

The educational programs offered at these German-Ukrainian schools are designed to facilitate the integration of Ukrainian students into the Berlin educational system. Additionally, they aim to prepare these students for a seamless transition back into their home country's educational framework.

These institutions provide preparatory programs for students to obtain qualifications from both the Berlin education system and potential Ukrainian certificates, specifically targeting grades 9 and 11. Furthermore, a corresponding upper secondary program is in the development phase at the nearby Hermann-Ehlers Gymnasium, ensuring continuity for higher grades.

This initiative is part of a broader educational collaboration agreement between the Berlin education administration and the Ministry of Education of Ukraine, which aims to expand the availability of such educational opportunities.

In the context of the ongoing refugee situation, nearly one-third of the Ukrainian students enrolled in Berlin are placed in specialized welcome classes. As of January 8, data indicates that out of the 8,551 Ukrainian refugee students attending classes, approximately 2,908 are in these welcome classes, which cater to all refugees regardless of origin.

Currently, around 300 school-aged children and teenagers are registered at a refugee accommodation located on the former Tegel Airport site, all of whom are attending designated welcome schools. Plans are also underway to establish a similar welcome school within the large refugee facility in Tempelhof.

This move to bolster educational offerings for Ukrainian refugees highlights the commitment of Berlin's educational authorities to provide necessary support and resources to these students, ensuring they receive a quality education during their time in Germany.