School crisis in Cologne: Helios School is delayed until 2027!

School crisis in Cologne: Helios School is delayed until 2027!

In Cologne-Ehrenfeld there is currently little reason to be happy when it comes to the new construction of the “Helios Schools”. The start of classes originally planned for 2024 was postponed to 2027 due to numerous difficulties. How WDR reported that problems with craftsmen, rising construction costs and construction defects are the main causes of the delays.

Currently, over 1,000 students are being taught at interim locations, which not only represents a logistical challenge but also affects learning conditions. In Sülz, the primary school moved into the building of another school, while additional containers were set up in the schoolyard. But these containers are not under a good star either: moisture problems, dilapidated substructures and heating failures have led to lesson cancellations.

Difficult learning conditions

The school principal Marion Hensel also complains that children in wheelchairs have to be carried into a non-barrier-free building, which makes the situation even more difficult. Parents are increasingly dissatisfied with the city of Cologne and are demanding more support and transparency as to how the situation continues. Meanwhile, a protest demonstration in front of the town hall is planned for November 13th, where parents and students want to draw attention to the intolerable conditions.

Student representative Leyla Onur reports a frequent lack of lunch and changing learning environments, which increases the uncertainty about when classes will actually start in the new building. Such challenges are sad companions in the German education system, which is grappling with various problems throughout the Federal Republic.

Challenges in the German school system

As the Federal Agency for Civic Education shows, the school system in Germany is under pressure. There are numerous areas of work to be done, from the need to individualize teaching and learning styles to the inclusion of children with disabilities. Furthermore, the digitalization strategy in many schools is inadequate, which calls into question equal opportunities for children from disadvantaged social backgrounds.

A survey shows that 77% of Germans see the shortage of teachers as a serious problem, while 68% criticize the lack of financial resources in schools. These challenges not only affect the educational path of many children, but also influence acceptance and trust in the entire education system.

The delayed opening of the “Helios Schools” in Cologne is an example of this larger problem in the German education system. This means keeping the ball flat and finding solutions so that students, parents and teachers finally have the conditions they need to be able to learn and teach successfully.