Berlin Halts Funding for School Trips Amid Budget Freeze

The temporary suspension of subsidies affects both teachers and students, drawing sharp criticism from the Left Party.

The Berlin Senate has temporarily stopped funding for school trips due to a budget freeze, affecting subsidies for both teachers and students until at least the end of November 2024.
The Left Party has criticized the decision, calling it 'devastating' for disadvantaged students who rely on these subsidies for educational trips.
Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch emphasized the need for fiscal restraint but assured that funding for school trips is expected to resume in 2025.
Approximately 30% of Berlin's students are eligible for subsidies under educational and participation benefits, although only a small portion will be impacted by the six-week suspension.
The decision comes amid broader financial constraints and follows a 20% increase in travel reimbursement requests compared to the previous year.