State Assembly Discusses Sophie-Scholl-Gymnasium
In a recent discussion with a group of students from Sophie-Scholl-Gymnasium, Stefan Zimkeit, a representative in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament, emphasized the pressing need to address staff shortages in elementary schools and kindergartens, particularly during the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Zimkeit underscored the importance of improving working conditions to make these professions more attractive and sustainable. This includes calls for better pay, more training opportunities, and hiring additional staff to reduce the burden on existing employees. He also advocated for flexible staffing solutions and enhanced cooperation between institutions to manage shortages during peak times, such as outbreaks or quarantines, ensuring that educational and care services remain stable despite pandemic-related pressures.
The discussion, which lasted over an hour, also covered various topics, including the situation at the Sterkrade market, cannabis and inflation, and arms deliveries to Ukraine. Zimkeit expressed his concern about the lack of equal educational opportunities, stating that the corona crisis has worsened the problem.
In response to a question from Arunyah Wardarajah, a student, about how he decides on important issues for citizens, Zimkeit emphasized the need to form his own opinion and not automatically adopt the answers of those who shout the loudest. He explained that he has many conversations to determine this, including with individuals, on the sidelines of events in his constituency, or with visitor groups who come to Düsseldorf to the state parliament.
Zimkeit also criticized the conflict resolution methods in Berlin, suggesting that conflicts should be resolved internally. He works collaboratively with members of other parties, with the exception of the AfD, which he described as undemocratic, racist, and inflammatory, making cooperation impossible.
In a positive note, Zimkeit expressed satisfaction with Olaf Scholz as the Federal Chancellor. He suggested that the regular training of educators should be remunerated to make the profession more attractive.
The students, who came to the state parliament as part of a visit, appreciated the open and informative discussion with Zimkeit. The visit provided them with a valuable insight into the political process and the challenges faced by the representatives in addressing the needs of the citizens.
- Stefan Zimkeit, during a discussion with students from Sophie-Scholl-Gymnasium, emphasized the need for policy and legislation to address staff shortages in education-and-self-development sectors such as elementary schools and kindergartens, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Zimkeit advocated for education-and-self-development policy reforms, including better pay, more training opportunities, hiring additional staff, flexible staffing solutions, and enhanced cooperation between institutions to ensure stable educational and care services.
- Furthermore, Zimkeit suggested the remuneration of general-news like regular training of educators to make the profession more attractive, demonstrating his commitment to learning and self-development.
