Learning the German language is the key to the successful integration of immigrants. “While a large proportion of the immigrants have a good knowledge of German, there are subgroups where this is not the case. We want to take a closer look there,” says sociologist Kenan Güngör. He is now carrying out an evaluation on behalf of the state’s social department, which is intended to clarify how the German language skills of these immigrants can be improved.
200,000 people with a migration background
The number of people with a migration background living in Upper Austria has doubled in the past 15 years from around 100,000 to more than 200,000. It is therefore all the more astonishing that the number of participants in the German courses financed by the state of Upper Austria has been declining for several years. “Here we have to be sharper and more targeted. We mustn’t make the same mistakes as we did 30 years ago. Migrants have to learn our language as quickly as possible,” says Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer (VP), Social Provincial Councilor. This is the only way to prevent the development of parallel societies.
As early as January 2021, the state audit office had presented a critical report on the integration measures in Upper Austria. For Hattmannsdorfer, this report is now the basis from which he wants to further develop the country’s integration policy.
New course offerings
A first measure has already been implemented, according to the social department. The “Hello in Upper Austria” courses were created for Ukrainian refugees, a low-threshold offer of German courses combined with training in values. Around 2000 refugees have attended these courses so far.
“On the one hand, integration requires the will of the immigrants and, on the other hand, effective offers and measures on the part of the host society,” says Hattmannsdorfer.
Source: Nachrichten
