In Eastern Austria, the last week of vacation begins. While many children look forward to returning to the classroom, more and more parents are facing financial difficulties. According to a study by the Chamber of Labor, the cost of school supplies is ten percent higher than in the previous year.
Caritas is therefore now offering school supplies in its stores at a special price – but only while stocks last. “Demand significantly outstrips supply,” Klaus Schwertner, Caritas director of the Archdiocese of Vienna, told media representatives on Monday at the start of the campaign. You can hand in school bags, pencil cases and other items that are in good condition at the Carla locations.
In Vienna every fourth child is affected by poverty
Nationally, 353,000 children and young people are considered to be in poverty; in Vienna that is every fourth child. According to the Chamber of Labor’s current school cost survey, the total cost per school year for children in primary and primary school is almost €1,500 – even before the current price increases, this was difficult for many families to cope with.
You can buy school bags in good condition at Caritas for a few euros. School bags with label and a complete starter pack are available from around 35 euros and school bags alone for five euros.
Free study cafes
However, tutoring remains a financial problem: parents pay an average of 720 euros per school child. The free learning cafés of Caritas, which have been providing support to financially disadvantaged students since 2007, have long waiting lists. In Vienna alone, 354 people are hoping for a place in the study and after-school care programme. Currently, approximately 1,900 students are accommodated in 68 Caritas learning cafes across the country. In the past school year, 95 percent were able to complete the class positively.
“While there is additional government support, we see inflation making those who were already poor even poorer – including a worrying number of children and youth,” Schwertner said.
“Young Charity” helps
Peers also try to help: as part of the ‘YoungCaritas’ collection of school supplies, 8,500 school children in Vienna and Lower Austria collected school supplies. Several hundred school bags and backpacks, paint boxes, snack boxes and much more came together in 54 schools, which benefit families in Caritas mother-child homes and social support centers and can be offered at low prices. On Thursdays from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm, school cones can be taken to the Caritas Shop at Mariahilfer Straße 77, which will then be filled at the Caritas facilities and distributed in time for the start of school.
Schwertner is convinced that further measures are necessary. “To help families in the long run, Caritas is calling for a general reform of social assistance with nationwide minimum standards and needs-based child rates.” One-time payments would be good, but also used up quickly. The free hot lunch at Viennese compulsory schools from this autumn is an accurate benchmark.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
