All news at a glance

About a third of all children starting school do not have the necessary language skills to actively participate in lessons. With new ABC classes in the year before starting school, all children in North Rhine-Westphalia should now have a fair chance of a successful education. The first compulsory ABC classes will start in 2028.

The German government has launched a new subsidy program for electric cars and hybrids with retroactive effect from January 2026. It offers a subsidy of up to 6,000 euros for purchases and leasing. Families with children under the age of 18 benefit from a higher income limit and up to €1,000 more funding.

In future, more volunteers will be able to apply for the NRW volunteer card: 200 instead of 250 hours per year or 4 instead of 5 hours per week of voluntary work are required to receive the volunteer card. With the card, committed citizens receive over 5,000 benefits throughout the state.

Safer Internet Day on February 10 will focus on the topic "AI and me. In an artificial relationship." with valuable information and numerous events - online or on site. We have also put together an overview for you with our articles and tips for parents on media use.

Anger and worries about poor grades on your report card? The report telephone can help! The school report hotlines of the district governments offer legal advice over the phone for questions about grades and school careers. The advice is confidential and free of charge.

Are you looking for services for families in your area or do you need local support? Many cities bundle activities, local advice services and contact points for families on a local online portal. You can now find a revised online search for these portals on Familienportal.NRW.

A toast to carnival tradition and togetherness across generations: on February 4, 27 child and youth prince and princess couples as well as triumvirates from all over North Rhine-Westphalia were honored with the carnival medal by Minister President Hendrik Wüst.

In 2026, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia will continue to promote vacations for families in family holiday resorts. Find out now how you can receive a grant for the Easter or summer vacations.

The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia has appointed Petra Ladenburger as the new Commissioner for Child Protection and Children's Rights for the next five years. The specialist lawyer for family law and expert in the field of child protection and protection against violence wants to ensure that the rights of children and young people are considered and taken into account in all political decisions and social debates.
(Photo: MKJFGFI / B. Thissen)

"What comes after school?" In the search for answers to this important question about the future, parents are an important source of advice for their child. The Federal Employment Agency's one-hour online events give parents and young people exclusive insights into the training and study opportunities offered by various companies.

How are families doing today? What is needed for a good family life? On February 28, 2026, families from all over North Rhine-Westphalia are invited to talk to each other at the Familiendialog.NRW in Essen. The registration deadline is February 25, 2026.

The North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Education is funding the establishment of 54 additional family primary school centers (FGZ) in the 2026/2027 school year as part of the Startchancen program. The aim is to create places of exchange that strengthen families holistically and offer individual support with offers such as information evenings, activities and parent cafés.