education as a central key role; Red Cross supports with learning houses, reading sponsors and school magazines
Vienna (OTS) – Participation in the education system in Austria is still largely determined by the parental home. For example, some parents can help their children with their homework, while others simply cannot find the time due to work pressures. If children and young people lack this support at home, they often fail to succeed in school. At the same time, tutoring as an additional support is not affordable for many. The Red Cross helps: In 12 learning houses nationwide, which are operated jointly with KURIER and the Rotary Club, educators and volunteers accompany children and young people as they learn.
“Education plays a key role in leveling young people’s starting conditions in adult life. The World Education Day on January 24 wants to remind you of this. In our learning programs, we have been caring for children from families who cannot afford tutoring or other support for years. Educators and volunteers support educationally disadvantaged children and young people, do homework, reading or arithmetic exercises together several times a week,” explains Michael Opriesnig, Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross.
Learning houses give perspective
The learning houses and other learning support centers are contact points for children and young people between the ages of six and 15. They offer homework help free of charge and – as compensation – a wide range of leisure activities. “Thanks to the individual support, many of the children and young people at the learning center not only make the leap to higher school, but also make friends for life. We also promote the learning and reading skills of children and young people through reading sponsorships, holiday camps and the ‘Read Together’ magazines and books from the Red Cross Youth and Book Club for the classroom,” says Michael Opriesnig.
The Red Cross has created an effective platform for philanthropy with its “Out of Love for People Foundation”. The foundation focuses on the topic of education: Thanks to the support of major donors, holiday camps for socially or economically disadvantaged children and young people have already been implemented.
Throughout the year, volunteers from the Red Cross offer learning support and reading sponsorships: With targeted reading promotion, reading sponsors help children in compulsory school to improve their reading skills and to discover the fun of books. “Being able to read is an important prerequisite for a successful school career and for equal participation in social life. If children can read well, it will later be easier for them to be successful in professional life as well,” says Opriesnig.
Read together – common values
Another central educational offer of the Red Cross are the school magazines and books of the Red Cross Youth. The Austrian Youth Red Cross and the Book Club Youth bring reading material for schoolchildren into the classroom, which not only encourages reading, but also conveys social commitment and non-profit activities. Opriesnig: “With its magazines and books, the Red Cross Youth conveys important democratic values such as respect and appreciation, strategies for non-violent conflict resolution and acceptance of diversity. They promote social learning and convey an attitude of helping.”
Motivate international educational projects
The Austrian Red Cross also supports educational projects with different focuses internationally. In Assosa Woreda, Ethiopia, for example, the focus is on strengthening equal health opportunities for girls and women. Targeted measures will improve the public’s awareness, knowledge and attitude towards the negative health and social effects of genital mutilation and child marriage. These measures include, for example, so-called “gender clubs” in schools with learning materials and training. Raising awareness through seminars and campaigns and providing schoolchildren with menstrual hygiene kits are also important steps in promoting the self-empowerment of girls and women.
The Red Cross is constantly looking for donors who want to invest in the future of children and young people:
donation option
IBAN: AT57 2011 1400 1440 0144
BIC: GIBAATWWXXX
Purpose of donation: Future through education
Or online at: www.roteskreuz.at/spendenzwecke
Photos: Link
Questions & contact:
Austrian red cross
Emina Ayaz, BA
Press and media service
+43 1 589 00-153 +43 664 5444619
emina.ayaz@roteskreuz.at
www.roteskreuz.at
