The German Teachers' Association called on the next German government to approve billions of euros to renovate dilapidated schools in the country, according to a report published Monday.

Read more: Germany ill-prepared for massive student increase, study warns

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"In light of the scandalous renovation backlog at numerous schools, the [next] coalition agreement must include a comprehensive investment program for school renovations and refurbishments," the association's chairman Heinz-Peter Meidinger told the German daily newspaper Bild.

The association is urging a minimum commitment of €10 billion ($11.6 billion) over the next four years.

The Credit Institution for Reconstruction (KfW) previously estimated the total cost of repairing Germany's crumbling schools at €34 billion — far above the association's request, noted Meidinger.

Read more: Auschwitz-Birkenau: 4 out of 10 German students don't know what it was

Rats, leaky ceilings and dirty toilets

Meidinger, who is also a principal of a school in the southern state of Bavaria, expressed shock at the learning conditions at some schools in Germany.

He listed cases of schools with "leaky roofs, mice and rats in the utility ducts, intolerable hygienic conditions in the toilets, poor thermal insulation and crumbling plaster on the interior and exterior walls and a lack of regular cleaning."

The conditions were a "shame" for Germany, Meidinger added.

In February, the lower house of parliament approved a supplementary budget of €3.5 billion for renovating classrooms, gymnasiums, and school yards.

Both chambers of parliament later adopted constitutional changes so that the federal government was legally allowed to assist with school renovations — previously, Germany's 16 states were solely responsible for school repairs.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school A cone full of presents The most important part of every German child's first day of school is the "Schultüte," or school cone. Apparently the thought of attending school every day for the next 12-13 years has to be "sweetened" with candy and presents - a tradition that dates back to the early 19th century. Parents fill the cones, either homemade or purchased, with treats, school supplies and small gifts.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school The start of a new phase Most children in Germany are six years old when they start school in August or September, depending on which state they live in. The majority of them have already spent a few years in daycare or pre-school, which is not part of the public school and is less pedagogical in nature. For kids in Germany - and often their parents too -, first grade is a big adjustment.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school Just the right backpack Ahead of the first day of school, parents buy their new first-grader a backpack, known as a "Schulranzen." They're often made with a square frame to make sure papers don't get bent and snacks don't get squished. Later, their jeans brand will be important, but for first-graders, it's crucial to have the trendiest design on their backpack. Star Wars and Superman never go out of style.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school The school essentials After they get their square backpack, it will need to be filled with pens, pencils, rulers and folders ahead of the first day. In Germany, particularly younger children often don't have lunch at school. Instead, they have a mid-morning snack time and go home or to daycare for a late lunch. To transport their "Pausenbrot," or "break bread," they'll need an appropriate box.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school A day to remember Many kids around the world pose for a first day of school photo. In Germany, they hold up their unopened "Schultüte" - which is often larger than they are - along with a sign reading something like "My first day of school." For many children, it's not the highlight of their big day.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school Send-off with a blessing The first day of school in Germany doesn't start with school - but with a special ceremony. Parents, relatives and godparents are invited to join in. An ecumenical church service is usually included in the tradition, giving the young pupils a special blessing as they mark a right of passage and embark on their educational journey. Some schools offer an interreligious ceremony for Muslim pupils.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school Guidance from those with experience During the ceremony, older children or teachers often give a small performance and explain to the newcomers how school works. In some schools, first-graders are assigned a buddy from third or fourth grade to show them the ropes.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school Make yourself at home A tour of the school is included in the introductory festivities and first-graders are shown their new classrooms, which are labeled "1A," "1B," "1C," etc. depending on the size of the school. This chalkboard reads, "Welcome, class 1A."

How Germany celebrates the first day of school The family get-together After the ceremony at school, families organize their own celebrations. Grandparents, relatives, godparents and friends are invited for a meal or cake to see the youngster of honor off into the brave new world of education. The first-graders themselves probably get annoyed at all the head patting and cheek squeezing - but they usually get a few presents to make up for it.

How Germany celebrates the first day of school The second day of school After the ceremony is over, the cake has been eaten and the cone of goodies unpacked, the first day of school draws to a close. The next day, the first-graders have to find their new classrooms for their first lesson. Elementary school in Germany includes grades one to four. After that, pupils move on to one of three different levels of secondary schools, depending on their academic performance. Author: Kate Müser



rs/kl (AFP, dpa)