Bremen's Free School Satchels Ease Burden for 3,400 Children Since 2008
Nearly 3,400 children in Bremen have received free school satchels since 2008. The donations come from PSD Bank Nord eG, which invests €25,000 in the project every year. The initiative aims to support families facing financial hardship as their children start school. The bank’s long-running scheme provides around 200 high-quality satchels annually. Each one includes a matching pencil case, gym bag, lunchbox, and water bottle. Funding for the bags comes from prize-linked savings accounts held at PSD Bank Nord eG.
Dominik Schulte, the bank’s regional manager, described the project as part of their social responsibility. His comments highlight the bank’s commitment to helping local families. In Bremen, one in three children lives on the brink of poverty or in poverty, making such support essential. Senator Stahmann noted that starting school is a key moment for young children. The satchels help ease the financial burden on parents while ensuring pupils have the right equipment from day one.
The programme has run for over 15 years, providing practical help to thousands of families. With €25,000 allocated annually, PSD Bank Nord eG continues to address educational inequality in the region. The fully equipped satchels remain a reliable resource for children beginning their school journey.
