Help with starting school: Altdorfer Laden supports families in need

Help with starting school: Altdorfer Laden supports families in need

Enrolling a child in school is an important step in a family's life, but the associated costs push many parents in Germany to their financial limits. According to BR, the average amount that parents have to pay for a first grader to start school is around 450 euros. This sum represents a significant financial burden, especially for families in need.

The “Buntstift” school supply store was therefore set up in Altdorf near Landshut. Here, performance-related parents are supported by offering teaching materials at a quarter of the usual price. School bags for first graders are even available free of charge in this store, which further lowers the hurdle for socially disadvantaged families. The Diakonisches Werk of the Evangelical Lutheran Church finances the shop through donations, while volunteers support the work on site.

Support for families in need

The need for such facilities is great, as more than 300 school children will be provided with the materials they need in the next few days. The “Buntstift” has set itself the particular goal of counteracting the disadvantages faced by children from socially disadvantaged families when they start school. To ensure discretion, the store is in an inconspicuous location.

The store's employees also appeal that the school lists should not contain too many special requests, as these are not only expensive but also difficult to obtain. In addition to the commitments of private individuals and organizations, the proceeds from an annual Christmas singing in the Landshut ice stadium also go towards financing the school supply store.

Government subsidies and financial measures

The state also offers various support measures for families in need. Around 800,000 children are currently enrolled in school nationwide. Parents in financial difficulty can apply for government grants and grants to help them cover the cost of school supplies. In Baden-Württemberg, recipients of social assistance and citizens' benefit can apply for a school supplies subsidy, even if there is no general subsidy for starting school.

As echo24 reports, learning books are provided free of charge in Baden-Württemberg. Through the “StartChances BW” educational program, children from socially disadvantaged families receive individual support. In the last ten years, around 2.6 billion euros have been paid out for this purpose. In August 2025, eligible families received 130 euros for school supplies, plus a further 65 euros in February 2026.

In addition, the education package also covers costs for school trips, student transport, lunch and tutoring. In North Rhine-Westphalia, students with certain requirements even receive a flat rate of up to 1,994 euros per year if they have special educational needs.

With the ever-increasing cost of living, it is a challenge for many parents. According to a recent survey by Forsa on behalf of “Save the Children”, a quarter of parents fear that their income is not enough to cover basic needs. This not only has a financial but also a psychological impact on the children, which further emphasizes the social importance of the support programs.