German schoolchildren should be taught how to prepare for crises, says minister

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has said he would like schoolchildren in Germany to be taught annual lessons on how to prepare for a crisis. Reactions have been mixed across the political spectrum.

Minister wants to teach crisis preparedness in German schools

“My suggestion is that once in the school year older school students take part in a double period lesson in which possible threatening scenarios, and how one can prepare for them, are discussed,” CSU Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said in an interview with Handelsblatt.

At the upcoming Conference of Interior Ministers representing the 16 federal states, Dobrindt plans to “push the idea that the topic of crisis prevention should be woven into everyday school life,” he told the newspaper.

Dobrindt explained that crisis preparation lessons in schools would be particularly effective because children are crucial “carriers of knowledge within the family”. Alongside the lessons, the minister would like to see Germany expand its civil protection capabilities, with a focus on making sure cargo supply chains are secure, and developing warning systems and shelters.

“One doesn’t have to be a prepper to understand that a few days worth of supplies, a torch, batteries or a wind-up radio are rational supplies. Whoever has these things, isn’t getting into a panic, they are getting prepared,” Dobrindt added.

Dobrindt’s suggestion receives mixed responses

Criticism of Dobrindt’s suggestion has come from across the political spectrum. “Fears are obviously being stirred up here,” Nicole Gohlke (die Linke) told the AFP news agency. ”I consider creating panic, especially among children and young people, unacceptable.” 

AfD ministers accused Dobrindt of warmongering, but the Greens have a contrasting view. “We welcome the suggestion that young children be shown in school how to help themselves and others in crisis situations,” said Bundestag member Leon Eckert.

Eckert suggested that the existing annual Warning Day (Warntag) on September 12 be developed into a nationwide “exercise day” on how to prepare for crises. Germany had its first official Warntag back in September 2020. 

Warntag efforts were increased after the 2021 floods across North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, when many people did not receive warnings or received them too late. 196 people died in the flooding.

Each year, the federal government tries to increase the number of people the warning message reaches and make sure the message is delivered as promptly as possible.