Germany is going to spend billions of euros to support schools in poorer areas after a decision by central and state government representatives on Friday. The central government is to spend an annual €1 billion ($1.1 billion) on the programme, with the states matching the sum, to reach a total of some €20 billion over a 10-year period. The programme will provide critical support to schools in disadvantaged areas, according to Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger, who called it Germany’s largest and most long-term education programme ever. “We are providing impetus for a more modern and e…