Handelsblatt: Germany urges schools to prepare students for war, crises

The German Ministry of the Interior has called for preparing schoolchildren for war and other crisis situations, including floods, forest fires, and cyberattacks.

"Given the current state of security policy, greater attention should be paid to civil defense, including in school education," the ministry’s official told the German newspaper Handelsblatt.

The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance is ready to provide materials for young people and teachers.

According to the Interior Ministry representative, extreme weather conditions and other dangers now require much more thorough preparation than before.

He stated that it is important for German citizens to have various supplies at home in order to help themselves and their families in case of emergency — and even save lives.

In March 2024, Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger emphasized the importance of integrating civil defense topics into school curricula to build societal resilience. She advocated for a "relaxed relationship with the Bundeswehr," suggesting that military officers visit schools to inform students about the armed forces' role in national security. This initiative aims to familiarize young people with defense matters and prepare them for various crises, from pandemics to natural disasters and war. ​

By Khagan Isayev