Many schoolchildren are very enthusiastic about the first day of school. For the parents, however, it is mainly about a lot of money. Due to rising prices, school start-up campaigns by Caritas and Co. are becoming increasingly important.
Families in particular are affected by the rising prices at the start of the school period. Parents complain about the often unaffordable contributions that are asked of them at the start of school: school bags, gym bags, notebooks, pens, paint and craft kits – even a simple starter pack for school can cost up to 300 euros. In addition to the increased costs for food, housing and energy.
“We cannot accept this”
According to Caritas, 60,000 primary school children and 91,000 children in the lower classes live in low-income households throughout Austria. In total, around 376,000 children and young people are affected by poverty. “We cannot accept this,” emphasizes Caritas boss Klaus Schwertner. That is why the Carla school campaign is taking place again this year.
Going to school involves high costs
At the branch at Mittersteig 10 in the 5th district, parents have the opportunity to buy school supplies – from brand new donated items to used items in good condition – at reasonable prices. Alena Pecker also shops here for her son Michael, who will start school in September. “Especially for the first graders, you need so many new things, from school bags to pencil sharpeners. “This comes with very high costs,” says the 47-year-old. The price increases are omnipresent, the start of school does the rest.
“Over the last two to three years, we have noticed that more and more customers are coming,” says Carla Mittersteig’s manager, Petra Rabl. They had already received phone calls days ago asking if the school start campaign would take place again. On Saturday, it was already very busy, with between 20 and 50 families coming to shop every day.
School supplies are five percent more expensive
School bags start at seven euros, notebooks at 30 cents and pencils at 2.50 euros. “In normal retail, I would have to pay three times as much,” says mother Alena Pecker. Compared to the previous year, school supplies were five percent more expensive. But the school supplies are not finished yet.
Maximum 1690 euros per school year
The parents of the pupils incur many more costs during the year: including excursions, copying costs and milk money. According to the school costs survey, an average of 1,400 euros is owed per primary and lower secondary pupil. In the upper grades, this even amounts to 1,690 euros per child. In some cases, there is also supervision – up to 750 euros per year.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
