- New Research Reveals: Germany Tops in Financing Kite-Related Ventures
In regards to Germany, the nation has significantly boosted its financial commitment towards kindergartens and early childhood education in comparison to other advanced economies as per an OECD study. The research reveals that the percentage of public funds allocated towards this sector as a portion of GDP has surged by 42% between 2015 and 2021. Across the OECD region as a whole, there was a 9% increase in such investments.
The report underscores the crucial role of early childhood education. This initiative helps bridge the disparities in child development before they commence formal education and serves as "an essential tool in mitigating the impacts of societal and economic disadvantage". Family background continues to have a substantial impact on academic performance.
The annual report gathers extensive information on the education systems of the 38 OECD member countries and additional partners. It exhibits details such as education expenditure, educational institute infrastructure, class sizes, and university degree costs, among other educational success rates. For Germany, the report highlights both favorable and unfavorable findings:
Germany earmarks approximately 15,550 euros annually per student, from elementary school to university graduation. This is higher than the OECD average of 12,870 euros. Germany dedicates 4.6% of its GDP to educational institutions, marking an increase since 2015 and positioning it among the OECD nations with soaring education expenditure. Nonetheless, this figure is still lower than the OECD average of 4.9% of GDP. University tuition fees in Germany rank among the cheapest in accessible OECD nations, costing 142 euros yearly.
The percentage of young adults holding a university degree is on the rise. This trend is particularly noticeable among women: 40% of women aged 25 to 34 have at least a bachelor's degree, almost double the proportion of women aged 55 to 64.
In many OECD countries, the proportion of young adults (25 to 34) lacking a higher education certification is diminishing – except in Germany. The percentage of 25 to 34-year-olds yet to obtain a university entrance qualification or complete a vocational training is 16% (OECD average 14%).
In most OECD member countries, the proportion of 18 to 24-year-olds who are neither employed nor in education or training is decreasing. In Germany, this proportion is 9.6%, substantially lower than the OECD average of 13.8%.
The OECD is a consortium of 38 industrially advanced and highly developed countries that frequently releases analyses and studies, such as the PISA study, and provides policy recommendations. According to the organization, member nations pledge their loyalty to a market economy and democracy.
Despite being among the OECD nations with increasing education expenditure, Germany still lags behind in allocating a sufficient percentage of GDP to educational institutions compared to the OECD average. This funding disparity should be addressed to ensure Germany matches the commitment of other advanced economies towards early childhood education, such as Germany.
Additionally, while Germany has a lower percentage of young adults lacking a higher education certification compared to the OECD average, there is still room for improvement in this area, specifically in increasing the number of women holding university degrees and reducing the proportion of 25 to 34-year-olds yet to obtain a university entrance qualification in Germany.
