Greifswald: Ostsee-Gymnasium is growing – more space for young talents!

Greifswald: Ostsee-Gymnasium is growing – more space for young talents!

A significant addition to the Ostsee-Gymnasium in Greifswald is imminent. With an extension costing 5.7 million euros, the educational facility will not only create more space, but also improve the quality of life for many children and their families. Construction is scheduled to start in early summer 2024 and the new building is expected to be completed by the 2027/28 school year. The Ostsee-Gymnasium, which is operated by the Berufsfachschule Greifswald GmbH, includes a wide range of educational offerings, including a primary school, a regional school, a kindergarten, an after-school care center and a vocational school. Around 183 families have already applied for 40 new places in the primary school, which shows the high demand.

But in addition to the physical expansion, there are also serious challenges that many children face, especially those suffering from type 1 diabetes. This disease, in which the pancreas does not produce insulin, is increasing in Germany. Thousands of young people fall ill every year - in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania there are around 650 adolescents. The Karlsburg Clinic offers specific treatments and training to help affected families better cope with the challenges of this disease. According to the German Diabetes Society, it is estimated that up to 17,400 children under the age of 14 live with type 1 diabetes in Germany. Supporting these children in therapy management in educational institutions is essential, but the reality is often different.

Challenges for families

An online survey by the DDG's Inclusion Working Group has shown that almost 48% of parents report that their children cannot participate equally in school life. In kindergartens, one in three children with diabetes is excluded from trips lasting several days, while in primary and secondary schools the exclusion is only less than ten percent. This makes it clear that in many cases the necessary support is missing to enable affected children to receive an equivalent education. In addition, almost four out of ten mothers have reduced their careers after being diagnosed with diabetes, which can put a significant strain on the financial situation of many families.

The situation is similar in Austria. Around 3,500 children and young people live with type 1 diabetes, and the increase in the number of cases is clear. A lack of specialized positions in diabetes centers and inadequate mobile care make integration into schools and kindergartens difficult. The Austrian Diabetes Society calls for increased training for educational staff in order to improve acceptance and support of children with diabetes. The need for action is clear: urgent measures must be taken to ensure optimal care.

Approaches for the future

Various events are also planned in Greifswald and the surrounding area that will strengthen the sense of community and at the same time spread information about relevant topics. At the weekend, events such as “Manga Mania” and the “Gützkow Baby One More Time” party take place in Usedom and Greifswald. In addition, Usedom fish sommelier André Domke is planning a world record attempt with a large can of fish, which will certainly be an exciting event for the region. On November 14th, singer Sarah Lesch will also be giving a request concert in the Jakobikirche, which offers another opportunity to get involved in the community and come together.

Koserow has also been recognized as an “Accessibility Verified Tourism Site,” meaning that several establishments in the region meet the standards for barrier-free travel. The municipality plans to create even more offers in the future and motivate entrepreneurs to participate in the “Travel for All” program to ensure barrier-free access for everyone.

The situation for children with type 1 diabetes makes it clear that there is still a lot to do in many areas. The urgent need for support and continued education about the challenges of this disease must be addressed in the coming years in order to provide affected families with the help they need. It remains to be hoped that initiatives and events such as those currently taking place in Greifswald and the surrounding area will help raise awareness and bring about change.