While the number of school dropouts has been declining in other federal states over the past ten years, it increased in Saarland during the same period. The state chairwoman Uta Sullenberger and the education policy spokesperson of the Saar Green Party, Volker Morbe, call for a rethink in education policy.
„This is disgraceful and unacceptable,“ says Volker Morbe, deputy chairman of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen Saar, adding: „Such a high number of school dropouts cannot be tolerated. Here in Saarland, we are facing major economic challenges that are almost impossible to overcome without trained specialists. Companies are already desperately looking for staff. The dropout rate is a shameful waste of valuable resources.“
In Saarland, it is noticeable that particularly many girls leave school without a diploma. With a rate of 44.5 percent, Saarland ranks first in this regard. The national average was significantly lower at 38 percent.
The consequences of this educational situation, recorded in numbers, are devastating for the state and society, according to state chairwoman Uta Sullenberger, as many school dropouts fail to make the leap to qualified work. They are lost to the labor market, burden the social welfare system, and can only inadequately realize their individual life plans.
“We need not only a transformation fund but also an education fund – and immediately,” demands Morbe. “This education emergency has been repeatedly criticized by many in the state. We are miles away from educational equity and true inclusion. The presented figures highlight the serious failures of Saarland's education policy,” adds Sullenberger. The Saar Greens recommend early support measures from the start and special care for noticeable learning deficits. Volker Morbe: “Necessary financial resources must urgently be made available for this, and immediately.”
