– Silke Distler represents the interests of children and parents in the Education and Learning Citizens’ Council. “The education system must not be carried out on the back of children,” she says.
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“I’ve seen for myself what it means to get back to work as a woman and mother. The way back to work is made far too difficult for women in our society,” says Silke Distler Returning bank clerk, she is considered an unskilled worker. “I was so shocked that I decided at the age of 45 to study social work and promote myself,” she continues.
As the mother of two biological daughters and a foster son, she knows what price you pay if you want to develop yourself further for your own career: “You want to have your children in care with a clear conscience if you have to or want to go back to work yourself.” That is why she decided to study social issues in order to create better conditions for childcare.
Responsible for afternoon care
She initially worked as a social pedagogue in Ebermannstadt and is now the regional representative for the North area for school afternoon care, where she is the contact person for the various partner schools. She knows from her private family life what children need and in her everyday work she experiences where there is a need for action due to political decisions.
In doing so, aspects should also be taken into account that at first glance are not directly related to education, she knows: “We lived for a long time in a village in Franconia with very poor bus connections, I drove 100 kilometers a day to educate my children, Not everyone can afford that. “
Foundation asked
Silke Distler has now had the chance, as one of 20 citizens’ representatives, to work out ideas and suggestions on the education system in Germany, which will be presented to the responsible politicians. “One day I got a call about what I think of our education system, and I was very surprised and happy to share my experiences. I was asked by the foundation whether I would like to take part in the Citizens’ Council Education and Learning project and of course I consented immediately, ”reports Silke Distler.
In the project, which was founded by the Montag Stiftung Denkwerkstatt, people from the education sector should exchange ideas and develop proposed solutions for educational institutions and the education system. “Our central requirement is actually that the educational system must not be carried out on the back of children. It is simply assumed that the children have computers at home and that their parents help them with their Internet research. In doing so, no consideration is given to the fact that not everyone has the same requirements and that evenings should be there for family time, ”says the social worker.
More hand in hand
In her opinion, teacher training should also be much more practical: “It is not possible for teachers not to know what children still have to do in the afternoon, so all educational work for the benefit of the children should go hand in hand much more closely.” Together with the other citizens’ representatives, they discovered that the German education system is not geared enough towards the needs of the population.
Silke Distler knows from her vacations in Sweden and Denmark that a lot more money is spent there in order to give the children the best possible education. “We have so much lobbying in the government, but the kids don’t lobby. Children’s rights should definitely be anchored in the Basic Law and there should be a legal right to education, ”emphasizes Silke Distler. She is happy to be part of a citizens’ council that represents the interests of children and parents, but she also says: “I am realistic and do not expect all of our proposals to be implemented immediately. It is important to me that politicians begin to listen. “
