Huge obstacles in the new school year: Education Minister Martin Polaschek went on an excursion to the limit at the start of the school term – language support is the order of the day, and this is particularly evident in Vienna-Favoriten.
More than 98,000 students from the Tafer class will start the ‘seriousness of life’ in September. First in the eastern region and then also in all the western states. In total there are almost 1.2 million students.
Minister of Education Martin Polaschek (ÖVP) used the start to visit the ‘educational war zone’, more specifically the central point Alxingergasse elementary school in Vienna-Favoriten. Not an easy path for a local politician, but urgently needed.
Teachers struggle with everyday life
In the 1B class of Mrs. Clarissa Loicht, for example, there is not a single child whose mother tongue is German. What is lacking in financial and personnel support from the federal government, the state and co. is compensated by a lot of hard work, common sense and cordiality.
Meanwhile, Polaschek distributes Pixi books about archaeologists and Nobel Prize winners. Especially from this class, a maximum (!) of children graduate from high school, or not at all.
But more important to him is that the preconditions are right. ‘Look instead of looking away’ is his motto, and a dig at the failed integration policy of the Vienna city council is a must: ‘Schools must be a safe place for all children and young people. The fight against violence – especially in Vienna – and new mandatory child protection concepts contribute to this.’
Another important point is German financing: “The federal capital already receives 40 percent of the resources with 18.7 million euros.”
For 27 percent, German is not their native language
If you look at the situation on Alxingergasse, you understand why. Parents who speak another language bring their children to class (even without knowledge of German) – 27 percent nationwide, in Vienna more than one in two.
Teacher colleagues with a migration background, other parents or even the mobile phone usually have to translate, for example to which class the child belongs to and whether they are even registered.
In addition to Loicht or her teacher colleague and “Krone” columnist Susanne Wiesinger, director Susanna Heinrich is a much sought-after director. During the conversation she groans: “We can still do it, but I don’t know for how long. It’s missing in every nook and cranny.”
According to colleagues, the lack of support staff is a long-term problem. The school doctor only comes once a month and psychotherapeutic specialists are generally scarce.
Their conclusion: many children come from very low-educated backgrounds, and no Pixi book will help. Our education system simply needs more money!
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.
