2024-11-10 10:53:00
Vienna – The need for integration German courses remains high against the backdrop of the continued increase in the recognition of asylum and subsidiary protection. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) informed the APA that around 58,000 German course places have already been taken up across Austria from January to October 2024 inclusive. This corresponds to an increase of around three percent compared to the previous year.
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**Interview with Dr. Anna Müller, Director of the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Müller. With the continued rise in recognition of asylum and subsidiary protection, we’ve seen a significant uptake in German courses this year, with about 58,000 places filled. What do you attribute this increase to?
**Dr. Müller:** Thank you for having me. The increase can be attributed to several factors, including heightened awareness of the importance of language skills for integration and the ongoing support and resources provided by the ÖIF and other organizations. Many refugees and asylum seekers recognize that learning German is crucial for their social integration and employment opportunities.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense. However, some individuals believe that focusing on language courses alone does not fully address the complex needs of refugees. What are your thoughts on integrating other forms of support, such as mental health services or vocational training, alongside language learning?
**Dr. Müller:** I completely agree that language is just one piece of the puzzle. While our primary focus is on providing German courses, we are actively collaborating with other organizations to offer a more holistic approach that includes mental health support and vocational training. This multi-faceted strategy is essential for successful integration.
**Interviewer:** Interesting point. As the conversation around migration and integration continues, how can we ensure that the public remains supportive of these initiatives, especially as the number of course participants grows?
**Dr. Müller:** It’s crucial to promote awareness about the positive contributions of refugees and immigrants to society. Encouraging public discussions and showcasing success stories can foster a more supportive atmosphere. It’s a community effort, and building understanding and empathy will be vital moving forward.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Müller. As we consider these issues, we invite our readers to weigh in: Do you think the focus on language courses is sufficient for refugee integration, or should we expand our efforts to include additional support systems? What role do you believe the community should play in this process?
