Rising Christian Schools in Germany
In a remarkable turn of events, Christian schools are experiencing a resurgence in several European countries. This growth, hailed as a "great miracle" by professor and general secretary of the VEBS, Wolfgang Stock, is a testament to the enduring commitment of parents and educators.
The VEBS, an association comprising 175 Protestant schools and 46 kindergartens across 128 locations in Germany, has reported a significant increase in the number of Christian schools this autumn. Six new schools have joined their ranks, with two opening in Markkleeberg, a town near Leipzig.
This positive trend is not confined to Germany alone. Christian schools in Austria are also thriving, with more students applying for admission than the schools can accommodate. In neighbouring Switzerland, the number of Evangelical schools has remained static for years, but the Initiative für Christliche Bildung has reported an increase in the number of people seeking Christian education.
The growth is not limited to Germany and its immediate neighbours. Christian schools have been established in Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Spain this year. However, in Sweden, the government does not allow confessional elements in the teachings of Christian schools, a stark contrast to the German constitution, which grants citizens the right to establish Christian confessional schools.
Despite this growth, challenges remain. Finding suitable buildings approved as schools by the authorities is a challenge, and this is a struggle shared by countries such as Austria and Germany. The shortage of Christian teachers is another issue, with Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland all facing this challenge. In Belgium, schools struggle to find enough teachers who share the school's vision.
The success of these schools is not just a testament to the commitment of parents and educators, but also to the approvals from the authorities and the good supply of teachers despite a general teacher shortage. The commitment of the founding parents, the support of the authorities, and the dedication of the teachers are crucial factors in the growth of Christian schools across Europe.
This growth was evident at the Brussels Considerations conference, where Christian school leaders from 13 EU member states gathered to discuss the future of Christian education. The conference underscored the growing interest in Christian education across Europe, with the number of people seeking Christian education on the rise.
In conclusion, the growth of Christian schools in Europe is a significant development. Despite the challenges, the commitment of parents, educators, and authorities is driving the growth of Christian education across the continent. Whether in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, or Spain, Christian schools are providing a unique educational experience that resonates with many families. As more schools open their doors, the future of Christian education in Europe looks promising.
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