Save the Pestalozzi special school: the future of our children is in danger!

Save the Pestalozzi special school: the future of our children is in danger!

In Greifswald, children with special needs face a serious challenge. According to the Ministry of Education, the Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi special school, which offers a safe haven for many families, is in danger of closing in the 2027/2028 school year, but no later than 2030. This is reported by committed parents and supporters who have mobilized to set an example with a petition to District Administrator Michael Sack OpenPetition.

School is much more than a place of learning; For many children, it represents a temporary home in which there is security and trust. Here, students not only receive individual support, but also benefit from experienced teachers and a supportive environment that addresses their specific needs. Parents and experts warn that closing the school would not only permanently change the children affected, but also the entire educational landscape in Greifswald.

Inclusion and individual support

The idea of ​​inclusion, which unfortunately often cannot be implemented properly in many schools, is being put to the test. The reasons are varied: In many cases, the necessary resources, trained staff and appropriate equipment are lacking to meet the needs of all learners. While other federal states are setting up new special schools, families in Greifswald are fighting to maintain a proven system that offers their children individual support BMBF.

The obligation for equal participation of people with disabilities is firmly anchored in Germany through the recognition of the UN Convention. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research actively supports the development of inclusive educational landscapes through numerous research projects. These projects are aimed at improving the conditions for shared learning and creating barrier-free learning environments BMBF.

• Professionalisierung der Lehrkräfte (InkBi 1)
• Diagnostik (InkBi 2)
• Transfer der Erkenntnisse (InkBi Transfer)

The initiative to maintain the Pestalozzi special school is therefore not just a regional concern, but an important step towards ensuring true inclusion - a concept that often turns out to be a gray theory. It requires that schools receive appropriate support so that affected children can remain in environments in which they can thrive and learn.

Where does the path lead?

Parents who are fighting to preserve the special school emphasize that the loss of the Pestalozzi School would be a step backwards for educational diversity and individual care in Greifswald. They demand that decision-makers recognize the value of specialized support and give the affected families the freedom to choose between special schools and inclusive schools. Reality shows that inclusion often does not work if schools are not appropriately equipped and the necessary support is missing OpenPetition.

Overall, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and whether the voices of parents and supporters will be heard. What is certain is that maintaining the Pestalozzi special school will be crucial for many children in order to give them the best possible opportunities for education and participation. The discussion about the future of inclusive education is influenced not least by the BMBF's diverse programs and funding projects, which aim to improve learning conditions for all students.