New school year with joy and worry

Education in Germany depends on the policies of each state, so does the opening day. It starts in order according to the summer break time, the state that has the summer break early will start the school year earlier. Vietnamese children in Germany are also happy to welcome the first day of school in their lives.

The first day of school in Germany is a big day for every family. For most six-year-olds, a new and exciting life begins. It is both a right and a duty. All children must go to school when they turn six.

Primary schools often hold one or two open days for parents and students to visit before deciding on admission. Often parents let their children choose their school, but they usually choose a school close to home for ease of travel.

Before the first day of school, families hold a big party to celebrate their children's return to school. Relatives from other cities are invited to the party. Best friends from kindergarten are also invited. Delicious dishes that first graders love are prepared.

For Vietnamese families, fried spring rolls, spring rolls, sticky rice, sausages and sweet desserts are a must. Some families will give their children school opening gifts on the day of the party, but most will give them when they go to school together. The indispensable gift for a six-year-old child on the first day of school in Germany is a giant cone-shaped gift bag, both large and long, filled with books, pens, school supplies, candy and toys (in German, it is called Zuckertüte, which roughly translates to Sweet Gift Bag).

A music lesson at a school in Germany. Photo: IGS

A child can receive many gift bags. All children look forward to this special gift. Grandparents and parents will take their children to the first day of school. Every child can enjoy the happiness in the warm embrace of family and society.

While joy fills families with children entering first grade, it also puts stress on parents as budgets become tighter due to inflation. School bag prices have increased by 20% compared to 2020 and paper products have increased by at least 13%.

The gift bags themselves vary in price, depending on size and design. A simple 85cm long Sweet Gift Bag can be purchased for around 15€, a smaller 50cm high version for around 6€. If you prefer something a little more personal, you can also make your own giant cone-shaped bag. With craft supplies such as colourful cardboard or tulle, stickers and plenty of decorations, your creation will be unique.

Consumers in Germany are spending around €650 million on back-to-school holidays this year, according to a survey commissioned by the German Chamber of Commerce (HDE) and conducted by IFH Cologne. More than 12% of those surveyed plan to buy gifts or school supplies when school starts.

As the school year begins, retailers are the central point of contact for backpacks, gifts and stationery. This often results in a summer sales boost. This is especially true for stationery and furniture retailers, where there is a demand for school supplies and desks.

According to the survey, the proportion of consumers planning to spend on education is increasing compared to the pre-pandemic period. The figure was about 10% four years ago, and this year it is more than 12%. More than 40% of consumers surveyed maintained the same level of spending on enrollment compared to last year. However, about 35% plan to spend more on this occasion than last year. One-fifth of those surveyed plan to reduce expenses when the school year starts.

In particular, candy, books, and stationery are purchased for school. Consumers also invest in school equipment. However, compared to 2019, the proportion of consumers willing to spend money on school equipment such as school bags, gym bags, and desks is decreasing. Toys are still consumed steadily.

MINH LY, from Germany

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nam-hoc-moi-voi-niem-vui-va-noi-lo-post751308.html