FWIW: I went to an unusual grade school which required us 3rd graders to use fountain pans. There were many stained fingers and homeworks, but yet, they insisted on using what seemed to us archaic devices. Fast forward to now, decades later, and I have recently rediscovered fountain pens and what a delight it is to use one compared to the cheap disposable ball point. I am using an inexpensive Pilot Metropolitan pen and, given a choice, will never go back to ball points.
My story is similar to yours -- forced to use fountain pens (in grade 4-5, IIRC). Perpetually ink-stained fingers, and absolutely hated these irrational rules back then. Decades later, I came back to fountain pens and now love the feel of writing with them. My handwriting also improved tremendously -- when you deeply enjoy writing, you put effort into it, and you see results :)
It was a German school in South America (no WWII refugees there, lol). I guess the school leadership was taught that way, and they were sure to make the kids learn that way too - with fountain pens!
I moved to Germany a few years ago and my kids have to use fountain pens for all their school work, even math. It's this way for grade school and high school.
