All the News at a Glance

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Many municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia offer a Family Pass that entitles families to discounts on recreational activities, for example. To find out if your municipality offers a Family Pass, visit our information page: Simply enter your city or ZIP code in the "How to Apply" section.

Summer vacation is coming to an end, and school is starting again for nearly 2.5 million students in North Rhine-Westphalia. It will be especially exciting for about 170,000 first-graders, who are experiencing their first day of school these days. Education Minister Dorothee Feller sends them her best wishes as they start school.

There are many great ideas for building a strong sense of community—sometimes all that’s missing is the financial support to bring them to life. The new “Bingo! Volunteer Foundation NRW” provides grants of up to 5,000 euros to support volunteer projects run by nonprofit organizations. Applications can be submitted starting September 1, 2026.

September 22 is “Walk to School” Day. This event shows that kids can get to school without a parent’s ride. Kids who walk to school start their day with some exercise and become more independent step by step. Our tips for practicing the route to school show how parents can walk the route with their child and thus ensure greater safety.

Fun, games, and shared experiences for the whole family: Until September 30, low-income families in North Rhine-Westphalia can apply for a recreational vacation during the winter break at a family vacation resort in Germany. Find out right away if you’re eligible for a subsidy and where to submit your application.

Mental Health Day on October 10 raises awareness about mental illness and available resources. When are sadness, irritability, or withdrawal in children and adolescents just a phase, and when are they signs of depression? We asked what parents should look out for and where families can find support.

Coming Out Day on October 11 stands for visibility and acceptance. When their own child comes out as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, parents often have questions and concerns. Experts at the Lebenslust counseling center explain what young people need right now, how parents can provide reassurance, and where families can find support.