Title: Thousands of Refugee Kids in Hesse Schools, Mainly from Ukraine
Over 45,000 kids with immigrant or refugee roots are currently schooling in Hesse with around 34,122 receiving special German language lessons, including 14,569 from Ukraine. Approximately 10,000 children are already fluent in German, attending regular classes since this school year.
With the Russian aggression against Ukraine since February 2022, many families have sought asylum in Germany. The Ministry of Education reports that young Ukrainians under 16 admitted to mainstream schools receive 22 hours of weekly support, while primary-aged refugees join intensive classes to grasp German faster.
The state of Hesse houses around 798,000 young people in general and vocational schools, and the Ukrainian influx has increased the language support requirement significantly. The education system responds by integrating both primary and secondary refugees into intensive language courses.
Integration strategy encompasses various components, including:
- Recognition of diplomas and qualifications for Ukrainian professionals and nurses to secure employment.
- Language learning opportunities to guide a smoother transition.
- Volunteer support in offering humanitarian assistance and facilitating longer-term integration.
- School programs for language, cultural adaptation, and psychological aid.
- Family support, including housing options for refugees.
- Healthcare access to ensure overall well-being and cope with displacement stress.
- Cultural adaptation activities to familiarize children with German customs.
- Psychological support to help children cope with traumatic experiences and assimilate.
This blend of initiatives allows refugees, particularly Ukrainian children, to thrive within the Hesse educational system and Germain society.
