Students begin new school year in Switzerland and Germany

Students in Schlatt-Haslen, Switzerland, marked the start of the new school year with a church service. The event welcomed 15 new kindergarten students and 13 first-graders, while 11 students transitioned to upper secondary levels. During the service, chaplain Johannes Epp used the metaphor of soap bubbles to encourage children to remain curious and appreciate both small and large moments in life.

In Essen, Germany, a two-week preparatory program is helping incoming first-graders, many of whom have migration backgrounds, transition to primary school. The program focuses on social integration and intensive German language learning through play. Social worker Violetta Schymura noted that many children primarily speak their native languages at home. Local health and social official Peter Renzel highlighted concerns regarding developmental readiness, stating that more than half of preschool children in Essen show developmental or linguistic deficiencies.