The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization that provides security and

preserves peace throughout the 193 countries involved. It was established in 1945 by only 51
countries but since then many have wanted to join the treaty. The United nations does not create
laws, but intervenes in conflict and make policies on issues that affect everyone. (The UN in
Brief) The UN watches out for all countries and tries to do everything for all members of the
organizations best interest. One of these aspects is the our childrens education. The organization
responsible for bettering the school system is called the Global Education First Initiative. There
are three priorities this organization aims for. They are: Put every child in school, improve the
quality of learning, and foster global citizenship (Priorities). One of the countries that this
organization is concerned with bettering in the UN is Germany. Fortunately, Germany lives up to
these standards.
Every child has a right to a good education. The children of today are the future doctors,
teachers, and scientists of tomorrow. Because the last research on primary (% net) of school
enrollment in Germany was conducted in 2012, we know that at that time 100.46% of children
were enrolled in primary education in Germanys schools. 112.52% of children were enrolled in
pre-primary school. 101% were enrolled in Germanys secondary schools (German Economic
Indicators). (Note: These percentages are in regards to the students in the age group eligible to
receive education at that time. The numbers can exceed 100 because these are students who may
have been held back/promoted into this age group.) These numbers are astounding and it is clear
that the country of Germany takes education very seriously, considering it is mandatory by the
age of 6. The goal of placing every child in school is undoubtedly met and even succeeded.
German public education makes it possible for children to study to a university level
regardless of their financial situation. Parent involvement, attendance, and supplies are all in very

good standing as they apply to schooling in Germany. Because education is taken so seriously,
teachers are well trained and prepared. In 1999, Germany decided to raise the bar for teachers
and reform their education so they would need to obtain a higher level. Currently, to become a
primary teacher, one would have to study at a university for 3-4 years, and 5-6 years for a
secondary school teacher. After they have completed a thesis, a written, and an oral exam, they
are ready to move onto their second stage of education. This stage is a two year training at
teacher seminars and in a school setting (Teacher education in United Kingdom and Germany).
Needless to say, the educators of Germany are more than well prepared to educate their students.
You may be wondering why the attendance rate of preschool is so high if German
students are not required to attend until 6 years of age. This is because German elementary
schools expect their students to enter with good language skills. German schools teach both
academic skills and life skills which is a creative way to prepare them for adulthood at an early
age. Areas of content include: reading, spelling, mathematics and geometry, time telling, using a
computer, playing a musical instrument, and even how to deal with road traffic. They also have
special classes including art, music, physical education and religion (Schools in Germany).
Not only does Germany provide their students with the knowledge they need to succeed in
further academic areas, but for how to succeed in life which is something that should be taught in
schools everywhere.

Work Cited
Priorities (n.d.). In Global Education First Initiative. Retrieved from
http:www.globaleducationfirst.org/
priorities.html

The UN in Brief (n.d.). In UN. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/Overview/uninbrief/

about.shtml
German Economic Indicators (n.d.). In TheGlobalEconomy.com. Retrieved from http:/
/www.theglobaleconomy.com/Germany/Tertiary_school_enrollment/
Schools in Germany (n.d.). In InterNations. Retrieved from http://www.internations.org/
germany-expats/guide/15985-family-children-education/schools-in-germany-15992
Teacher education in United Kingdom and Germany (2011, September 19). In HumboldtUniversitat zu Berlin.