70 years of the ring of Austrian educational works is more than an anniversary. The event is a strong sign that education could make a lot better through education, said Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner, President of the Ring of Austrian educational works, on Saturday at a festive event for the 70th anniversary of the ring in Austrian education in Vienna. “Education is more than courses, lectures or certificates, education is more than learning, education means life, means that everyone can and can grow,” said Mikl-Leitner.
In the founding year 1955, Austria was in the middle of the reconstruction, was socially, economically and politically emerged. In the seven decades since then, not only the world has changed rapidly, but also educational work. Lecture evenings have become discussion forums, from handicrafts digital learning workshops, the governor recalled. But what has not changed: “Education is worth and must be carried into the middle of society. It is a valuable contribution to a better society”.
“The Ring of Austrian educational works is an indispensable force. With over 800 educational institutions in around 1,860 municipalities, which is almost 90 percent of all Austrian municipalities, it is not only present, but deeply rooted,” emphasized Mikl-Leitner. In community centers, parish halls, club rooms and educational houses, where people come together, where learning life means, the ring brings people together and further.
In times of war, inflation and climate crisis, the credo “Who knows nothing, has to believe everything”, the governor continued and emphasized: “Adult education is a crucial key to democracy and social coexistence. It is not just an offer, but the right of every single. It stands for attitude, opportunities and new perspectives. Thought, but a future investment. “
Lower Austria will invest a total of twelve million euros in adult education by 2028. “Adult education needs reliable and permanent funding. Especially in the area of adult education, savings must not be an option,” concluded Mikl-Liefer and thanked all full-time and volunteers.
Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner also thanked for seven decades of heart, adult, essential and human education: “Adult education promotes education far beyond the school area and gives people new perspectives. And for volunteering. “
In view of 1.7 million adults in Austria who have difficulty reading everyday texts, adult education is more important than ever today. That is why the federal government is also committed to its long -term expansion and its structural upgrading, the minister concluded.