Child poverty in Berlin: Almost 25 percent of the children receive citizens' money

Veröffentlicht:

Von:

Kinderarmut in Berlin: Fast 25 Prozent der Berliner Kinder leben von Bürgergeld Berlin ist eine pulsierende Stadt mit einem breiten Kulturangebot. Doch für viele Kinder in der Hauptstadt ist das Leben nicht so bunt und aufregend. Laut aktuellen Zahlen der Agentur für Arbeit erhalten 154.614 Berliner Kinder Bürgergeld, was fast einem Viertel aller Berliner Kinder entspricht. Diese Zahl verdeutlicht das Ausmaß der Kinderarmut in der Stadt. Besonders betroffen ist der Bezirk Neukölln, wo 37,43 Prozent der Kinder in Familien mit finanziellen Schwierigkeiten leben. Im Gegensatz dazu beträgt der Anteil in Pankow lediglich 11,54 Prozent. Um als arm zu gelten, muss …
Child poverty in Berlin: Almost 25 percent of Berlin's children Life from Citizens' Benefit Berlin is a vibrant city with a wide range of culture. But for many children in the capital, life is not so colorful and exciting. According to the current figures from the employment agency, 154,614 Berlin children receive citizens' money, which corresponds to almost a quarter of all Berlin children. This number illustrates the extent of child poverty in the city. The Neukölln district is particularly affected, where 37.43 percent of children live in families with financial difficulties. In contrast, the proportion in Pankow is only 11.54 percent. In order to be considered poor, ... (Symbolbild/MB)

child poverty in Berlin: Almost 25 percent of Berlin children live from citizenship money

Berlin is a vibrant city with a wide range of culture. But for many children in the capital, life is not so colorful and exciting. According to the current figures from the employment agency, 154,614 Berlin children receive citizens' money, which corresponds to almost a quarter of all Berlin children. This number illustrates the extent of child poverty in the city.

The district of Neukölln is particularly affected, where 37.43 percent of children live in families with financial difficulties. In contrast, the proportion in Pankow is only 11.54 percent. In order to be considered poor, a family in Germany must have less than 60 percent of the middle household income or rely on existential services.

The Arche, an aid organization in Berlin, even estimates that the actual child poverty rate is around 40 percent. The children who come to her have different cultural backgrounds and come from Bulgaria, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Iran, Libya and Syria. Around 300 children receive a warm meal at the ark every day. But the problems go beyond financial support.

Especially children with a migration background often learn the German language faster than its parents, which hindered their chances on the labor market. According to the teacher and child protection specialist Josi Brendel, children learn the language relatively quickly, but their parents often have difficulty finding a job due to the language barriers. Therefore, 106,458 children of citizens' money live all over Berlin who have at least one parent with foreign citizenship.

Another problem in Berlin is poverty in children of single parents. This affects about half of the children affected. Many children have to take responsibility at home and are torn between care for their siblings and the desire for a carefree childhood.

The ark proposes a basic childcare of 600 euros per month as a solution for the child poverty problem in Berlin, instead of the previous child benefit. According to the Arche, the child benefit often flows more into the purchase of necessary household appliances and not directly into the needs of the children. The basic child protection, on the other hand, includes paid grants for school trips, leisure activities and school needs.

There is an urgent need for action to combat child poverty in Berlin and to enable the affected children a better future. Because every child should have the opportunity to grow up carefree and to develop their talents and skills.