The municipal Fürst-Pückler Primary School in Bad Muskau, Germany, will be able to fully carry out its after-school programs (GTA) this school year. This has been made possible in part by a donation of €2,000 from SZM. Together with another contribution, this closes a funding gap that had arisen for the city of Bad Muskau.
The background is a general 20 percent cut in state funding for GTA programs, which is currently affecting schools throughout Saxony. In mid-August, the city of Bad Muskau received official notice: in the end, around €4,000 is missing. Normally, the primary school has around €14,000 available each year for its after-school programs.
Without this additional support, the school would have had to cut back significantly this school year. Plans were already being considered to start GTA courses only at the end of October and to end them by the Easter holidays in early April 2026. Thanks to SZM’s financial support, pupils can now take part in projects throughout the entire school year. The Bad Muskau city council will still need to approve SZM’s donation to the city at its next meeting on September 24, 2025.
With this commitment, SZM aims to help ensure that educational and leisure opportunities for children in the region remain reliable. SZM Managing Director Maik Domel stated:
“As the largest commercial employer in the city, we feel obliged to take responsibility – especially when it comes to the future of our children. After-school programs improve educational opportunities regardless of social background or migration history, strengthen individual talents, and support holistic development. Cuts are being made everywhere – but with our children? Supporting children and young people is also a personal concern of mine, not least through my role as president of the largest sports club in Weißwasser. That is why it was only natural for us to support the primary school in its important work.”
In the photo: Principal Kati Hille, entrepreneur Maik Domel, and Vice Principal Susann Mühl (from left to right).
Your SZM contact for updates:
⇒ Thomas Schulz, Head of Marketing | Communication
Mobile: +49 162 2359624 | Email: thomas.schulz(at)szm-gmbh.de