Digital Space Utilization and Barrier-Free Education in Pankow: Where Are We in February 2026?

Digitalization of Space Use – More Transparent or Not?

The district of Pankow has positioned itself as a pioneer in the use of digital solutions in recent years – yet the rental of spaces remains shrouded in uncertainty. The motion IX-1181, discussed in the Committee for Education and Sports, shows that the rental of municipal facilities continues to be a patchwork of different procedures and responsibilities.

The faction Bündnis 90/Die Grünen is calling for a unified online platform where interested parties can easily find, book, and manage rooms. Although an information page from the Facility Management already exists, it lacks key elements such as contractual templates, availability times, and a uniform application process. Rooms in schools, cultural, and social institutions are often only accessible through multiple municipal departments, which complicates their use – especially for non-profit initiatives that could benefit from the low fees.

The challenge therefore lies not only in the technology, but also in the coordination between the municipal departments. A unified platform could not only increase citizen-friendliness, but also more effectively implement the multiple use of social spaces – a central goal of the district administration.

Transport of Children with Disabilities: Education Rights at Risk?

One of the most controversial decisions in February concerned the transport of children with disabilities during holiday periods. The Pankow Education Office announced the suspension of transport to supplementary support and care offers (eFöB) during holidays. This sparked sharp criticism, particularly from the Committee for Child and Youth Welfare.

The eFöB is a mandatory offer for children with disabilities in grades 1–6 with the focus area of "Intellectual Development" and for autistic children up to grade 10. According to the Education Act, transport to these offers is part of this obligation. A suspension would violate the right to education and participation and could result in significant gaps in support – not least with consequences for families who often have to adjust their working hours accordingly.

The criticism also targeted the lack of cooperation between the Education Office and the Youth Office, as well as the absence of the Committee for Child and Youth Welfare in the decision-making process. The reduction of transport services was described as unlawful, and it was recommended to keep responsibility with the Education Office and to continue covering holiday periods.

Child-Friendly Municipality: From Vision to Practice

Pankow was awarded the title of "Child-Friendly Municipality" in 2024 – a title awarded by the United Nations. However, the implementation of the action plan has so far fallen short of expectations. In February, the District Council decided to hold an extraordinary session each year on child and youth policy issues.

This decision is a step in the right direction, but it also raises questions: How can child-friendly policies actually be embedded in all areas of the administration? How can children and young people be actively included in political processes? And how can cooperation between municipal departments be improved, for example to advance the social opening of schools or the establishment of youth centers?

The motion IX-1304, discussed in several committees, shows that political will is present. Yet, implementation remains behind – not least because responsibilities are often unclear and coordination is missing.

Conclusion: Digitalization and Inclusion as Key Issues

The political decisions in February 2026 show that Pankow is on an exciting path – between digitalization and inclusion, between vision and implementation. The rental of spaces could be significantly simplified through a unified platform – but this requires the courage to push forward. Ensuring the transport of children with disabilities during holidays is not only a matter of law, but also of justice – and the right to education must not be sacrificed to avoid budget problems.

A child-friendly municipality is more than a title: it is a commitment. And this commitment requires not only political will, but also structures that place children and young people at the center – in politics, in administration, and in society.