Some of the letters look familiar to you. You know them from Ukrainian. However, they cannot read the word that is written on the wall in front of them. This is the case for many displaced persons who came to Austria from the Ukraine in the last few weeks.
In order to make it easier for them to start their new, secure life, the state of Upper Austria, together with the BFI, the adult education center and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), is offering a free German course from April 19th.
“Upper Austria helped quickly and easily. We must now look to the future and expect that many will stay here longer,” says Integration Councilor Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (VP). “Our common language opens doors and opportunities.”
“giving people time”
Almost 5,400 Ukrainians are currently registered in Upper Austria, most of them women and children. “Together we have to pick people up where they are,” says Julia Panholzer, managing director of the adult education center.
The offer must be as accessible and close to the everyday life of the displaced as possible. The German package consists of three language levels: Daily online language courses and learning aids for self-study should make it easier for you to get started with German.
Language course and child care
With the “Hello in Upper Austria” and “Mama Learns German” courses – which also offer childcare – the Ukrainians immerse themselves in everyday communication. “We have to give people time and teach them the language slowly,” says Christoph Jungwirth, Managing Director of the BFI. “They are curious, they want to find their way around, and we have to use exactly this motivation.”
German for the job market and the integration course focus on language qualification. The third and highest level. “Depending on how much help you need, the short ones last 160 or 240 units,” says Christoph Krennmayr, head of the ÖIF. “The course concludes with an exam.”
Support via WhatsApp
In addition to the courses, a corona consultation hour in Ukrainian and support via WhatsApp are also offered. 75 courses are planned to start with. The first start after Easter in Linz, Traun and Steyr. “Depending on how great the demand is, the courses can also be offered at other locations,” says Hattmannsdorfer. The training courses can also be booked as call seminars, registration by e-mail to ukraine-deutschkurs@ooe.gv.at.
The flight movement to Upper Austria is stagnating. However, the country expects a renewed increase. The 1,200 emergency beds will soon be reduced to 500. But it could be increased again within a day.
Source: Nachrichten
