I find it important to address this issue because it was one of the things that impressed me most here so far. Imagine, if we live in an underdeveloped country with high illiteracy rate, that developed countries provide opportunities to all its citizens and seek a social and educational equality. At least I thought so. But listening, reading and seeing what happens here in Germany I changed completely my opinion. In fact, I have to say that we have much to teach.

Here in Germany (in general) a child with almost 10 years has already set its future. That's right, 10 years! The education system has been demonstrated highly unique. See below a summary of the basic system to understand:

- Usually, children start to attend kindergarten (Kindergarten) from three years old. The compulsory school there from six years to the 9th or 10th grade, depending on the state and up to 18 years.

- Kindergartens are maintained by churches or private initiatives by the municipality. The fee is calculated according to family income, regardless of whether the building is public or private. During his last year in kindergarten, the child "preschool" (Vorschulkind) makes contact with letters and numbers, which however can not be considered literacy as the pre-school we know of Brazil.

- Public education is free in Germany from the first series, you pay only part of the books. One semester before going to school, the child undergoes a medical test. If problems in psychological development, motor or language, it is forwarded for possible fixes. The first day at school follows a whole ritual, which involved the whole family.

- The Church's strong presence in German society is felt in these moments. In many schools, before distribution into classes and the first contact with the teacher, is held an ecumenical service in the nearest parish. Another peculiarity is the Schultüte (colored cone, offered to children on the first day of school), full of gifts and sweets.

* Secondary Schools

At the close of the primary, the child begins to have defined their professional guidance. As her performance in the first four years of school, the teacher suggests parents the most appropriate secondary school. There are three options:

─ Hauptschule, where students receive a basic general education. Upon completion, it is generally refer to a professional training which enables them to exercise an activity in a trade or industry or agriculture. It lasts five to six years.

─ Realschule, which enables to attend more advanced courses in vocational schools, vocational secondary schools or the second cycle of the gym. Lasts six years.

─ Gymnasium, which lasts nine years and provides a more in-depth basic training. The certificate of completion, the coveted Abitur (similar to the importance of vestibular Brazil), to enable access to a university or college. To a certain extent, the system is permeable. As the student's performance in the first two years in high school (5th and 6th grades), there is the possibility of moving to a different type of school chosen originally.

There is also the Gesamtschule, which integrates the three into one, as well as schools with other types of curriculum, depending on the state. Sonderschule And there still is for the "rest", many say it is for "mentally retarded", but this is not true. Only one more prejudice entered here.

Today the change in the education system has been widely discussed as a major new problem is the great and daily violence that often occurs in the Hauptschule.

Hauptschule is the lowest level of an educational system divided into three, which separates students according to their academic abilities since the age of 10. Critics say it is fertile ground for social disembedding, since immigrant children usually have lower language skills in German language. Some argue that the system should be thoroughly overhauled. The staging of violence seems to be the new fad in schools. Groups of young companions or attack random victims - a process called happy slapping - as a camera or cell phone records the images that will then be transmitted and disseminated over the Internet.

Moreover, Germany has problems due to lack of students interested in training in Education and Engineering. They fear that soon there are more Germans professionals in these areas and seek ways of providing incentives. This information also disturbed me, because he thought that Germany has one of the best educations in the world and the best engineers. But now I understand why ... In the area of education I see that there are many issues and that openings for women until then was limited and they usually are more interested in lecturing than men. Since engineering is not an area of great interest, as a coach wins here as well as a successful engineer in Brazil. Absolute truth! The basic technical services cost a fortune here, because the hour of a technician are very well paid. Why? Because they all have technical training in the specific role. At first seems beautiful and great, but when you need the services of specialized technicians, you miss from Brazil! The cost often does not compensate, so almost all Germans have tool for everything at home. Here the phrase works very well: "Do it yourself!"

When I think of the parallel problem that Germany now has a shortage of children of German parents, came to the conclusion that beyond the most obvious reasons the mothers are afraid of their children having to enter this educational system has failed. ... I would have