Vienna’s path to educational equality: Free tutoring reaches over 12,000 children
Vienna (OTS) – On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Vice Mayor and City Councilor for Education Christoph Wiederkehr visited the Vienna learning aid in the Bendagasse middle school in the 23rd district. This is one of 120 school locations (middle schools and lower secondary schools) in all districts that, thanks to the support offered by the City of Vienna, offers free tutoring in German, mathematics, English and German Start (for children who are new to learning German). There are also learning support courses in elementary schools in 14 districts and learning stations in 15 districts at 17 VHS stations in the city. The City of Vienna’s offer has been around for 9 years and is constantly being expanded.
Vice Mayor and City Councilor for Education Christoph Wiederkehr: “At a time when tutoring is becoming a major financial burden for many families, Vienna is breaking barriers: with free learning assistance in every district, we offer children aged 6 to 14 the chance to do so, regardless of their parents’ financial situation “Better future. Because we see promoting equal opportunities as the key to a society in which everyone can go their own way. That’s why we’ve been gradually expanding the courses for elementary school children since 2022.”
There are currently 900 learning supervisors who support children and young people in creative ways. The Vienna learning aid is carried out by teachers, students and subject experts. In addition to their training, they complete training through the Viennese adult education centers. This semester alone, 1,300 learning support courses offer free support to up to 12,600 children and young people.
Eduard accompanies children while they learn
The new mascot of the Vienna Learning Aid was also introduced during the visit: Eduard. The small, yellow fluffy figure with black lines for arms and legs embodies the fun of learning and the motivation of the students to achieve their goals. “The Vienna Learning Aid not only provides professional support, but also gives children a positive approach to learning and relieves parents. We brought Eduard into the learning support team to give the educational concept a face.”explained Daniela Ecker-Stepp, head of the school division of the Vienna adult education centers.
Learning support courses help in the long term
The 1,000 learning support courses for up to 10,000 students from middle schools and lower secondary schools will take place until May 31st. Free places are still available. The learning support courses provide further support in the subjects of German, mathematics, English and German Start (for children who are new to learning German) and offer the opportunity to consolidate what they have learned in the long term. The courses take place once a week and last two teaching units. In addition, around 100 online courses that last one hour are offered. 200 courses with up to 2,000 places are offered for primary school students. They are characterized by a playful approach and cover the subjects of German, mathematics and German Start. They each last 1.5 hours and take place at several locations throughout Vienna.
VHS learning stations for short-term support
Anyone who needs quick help before a school assignment or with homework can come to the VHS learning stations. They offer quick and uncomplicated support in the subjects of German, mathematics and English directly at 17 adult education center locations and are aimed at middle school and lower secondary school students. Registration is not necessary and students can stay until their personal learning goal is achieved. They take place from Monday to Thursday – at selected locations also on Fridays – between 2.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. (except on school-free days and holidays) and last until May 29th.
Viennese summer learning: support even in the summer
To ensure that Vienna’s students also receive support during the holidays, the VHS summer learning stations will also be available this summer. They are part of Vienna summer learning and ensure continuous learning support. They offer the opportunity to prepare well for the next school year or possible re-examinations. Registrations start on April 29, 2024.
Info and registration at www.vhs.at/lernhilfe
Registration for learning supervisors: www.vhs.at/de/jobs-lernbetreuerinnen
Questions & Contact:
Allowed. Nina Oezelt
Media spokesperson for the Vice Mayor Christoph Wiederkehr, MA
+43 1 4000 83221
nina.oezelt@wien.gv.at
M.Sc. Nadja Pospisil
Media spokesperson for Viennese adult education centers
+43 1 89 174-100 105
+43 699 189 177 58
nadja. pospisil@vhs.at