About 16,000 children and young people who have fled the war in Ukraine currently live in Austria. Although more than 90 percent of 6 to 14 year olds are integrated into the Austrian school system, less than a third of 15 to 18 year olds are in training, although the offer is there. They want to address this group more effectively in the future, says Daniel Landau, who is responsible for improving educational opportunities for Ukrainians on behalf of the government.
“There’s a huge offer for anyone over 15, but it’s not being used for various reasons,” Landau, who has been supporting refugee coordinator Andreas Achrainer on education issues since September, said in an interview with the APA. Parents often want their children to graduate in Ukraine, also hoping to return to Ukraine soon. This is also possible through the professional online offers of the Ukrainian government. In the past school year, 200 17-year-olds were able to take their Ukrainian high school exams in Austria – an opportunity that, according to Landau, should be recreated this year.
“Want to reach this group better”
However, the real goal should be to get Ukrainian youth more into the Austrian school system, even after they have finished compulsory education. “We want to reach this group better.” There are offers in the form of bridging courses that are intended to prepare you for higher education or vocational education. According to Landau, several hundred Ukrainian students are already taking an AHS.
Have children in the Austrian education system
He also wants to develop models so that the offerings at MBO or MBO schools (BMHS) can be used more, for example in the field of primary education or care. For example, together with the Ukrainian embassy, parents should be encouraged to bring their children to the Austrian education system – not only to learn German, but also because of the social interaction at school. “School is also an integration tool.”
No registration form, no school place
For Landau, it is all the more problematic that there are apparently refugee reception centers in Austria where people seeking protection do not receive a registration form – and thus the children cannot get a place in school. The current discussion about tents for asylum seekers also worries Landau that the stalemate between the federal and state governments in creating additional shelters also affects Ukrainian refugees, because they are not part of the basic care of the states in the current situation.
At least for the education sector, Landau gives roses to the federal government and the responsible authorities and especially the schools. His task includes providing assistance in individual cases, for example when looking for a place at school, but also networking between the different actors such as governments, NGOs and other initiatives. “It is great to see what can be achieved here if everyone joins forces.” Addendum: “I wish everyone what works with this group of refugees.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
