2023-05-30 16:09:14
Educational policy demands dominated the debate
Vienna (PK) – The Austrian Student Parliament (ÖSIP), which has been enshrined in law since 2018, met for the first time today in the High House on the Ring due to the five-year renovation of the parliament building. At the invitation of the President of the National Council, Wolfgang Sobotka, and the Federal Youth Council, student representatives from all over Austria debated educational policy issues in particular. The applications that are positively voted on there are then presented to the Ministry of Education, Science and Research and the education spokespersons of the National Council parties, which gives the ÖSIP, which was co-organized by the federal student representation, a particular relevance as an important part of the co-determination of students.
The plenary debate was preceded by introductory words from Parliament Director Harald Dossi, greetings from Minister of Education Martin Polaschek and Secretary of State for Youth Claudia Plakolm, and introductory statements by the education spokespersons of the parliamentary groups. Closing words were spoken by federal school spokeswoman Flora Schmudermayer.
Dossi: Pupils think outside the box
In his words of welcome to the delegates to the Austrian student parliament, Dossi paid tribute to the general democratic-political claims of the students. With their applications, the students would think outside the box of school politics. The renovation of the parliament building was used to create an open and citizen-friendly parliament. The bright and friendly civic interior offers a place for discourse, Dossi invited the students to visit the parliament more often in order to be able to absorb the multitude of information that the parliament offers.
Polaschek: Creating awareness of the importance of democratic participation
Political discourse, exchange of opinions and dialogue are fundamental pillars of every democracy, Polaschek emphasized the importance of democratic participation in his greeting. It is important to him to raise awareness of the importance of democratic participation. In this sense, he is also committed to strengthening trust in science and democracy. A new program – Trust in Science and Democracy (TruSD) – has been created to support knowledge transfer. The TruSD 10-point program was created by Polaschek to strengthen trust in science and democracy. The Parliament’s Democracy Workshop also offers educational opportunities for children and young people. Other federal government measures include, for example, increasing the number of school psychologists by hiring additional psychologists.
Plakolm: The student parliament gives weight to the concerns of young people
The student parliament gives weight to the concerns of young people, emphasized Plakolm and was convinced that young people have to get involved in decisions. According to Plakolm, the legal anchoring of the Austrian Student Parliament in 2018 gave the body particular relevance. She sees youth politics as a cross-sectional matter, because every decision also affects young citizens.
Young people with psychological stress are not left alone, Plakolm emphasized the project “Healthy from the Crisis”. The funds for this have been increased, she stressed. With just one call you get free help from the therapy place to billing. There are also improvements for civil servants, whose basic salary has been increased. Plakolm supported the call for more political education in schools. In order to make the EU even more tangible, school excursions to Brussels by train will be subsidised, she informed.
Education spokespersons of the parliamentary groups
The student parliament enables the participants to experience the parliament as such with its aura, Rudolf Taschner (ÖVP) drew the delegates’ attention to the weight of their words in parliament. Today, the students would make important decisions, which will also be presented to the teaching committee. Logos, ethos and pathos should guide the speeches of those present, he encouraged them to make good decisions.
Sybille Hamann (Greens) was impressed by the variety of applications. In it she felt a strong longing for a holistic view of education. Health is also a priority. In addition to the content of the curricula, this also requires specific offers of help, according to Hamann.
Yannick Shetty (NEOS) pointed out the European Parliament (MEP) model, which offers students the opportunity to gain a detailed insight into the European integration process by simulating actual sessions in the European Parliament. Taking part in it had politicized him, he appealed for political commitment. Although there are often arguments and heated debates in Parliament, important decisions are made. The participation of the young population is particularly important.
Mutual respect is also an important factor in politics, reminded Hermann Brückl (FPÖ) and wished the students a hearty and lively debate. As part of the visit to Parliament, the students should not miss the wonderful view from the roof terrace in addition to the Pallas Athena fountain.
Demands with a wide range of topics
A wide range of applications submitted by the student representatives showed the variety of topics of the demands. It was regarding social issues such as expanding the range of school psychologists and school social work, addiction prevention and “religion as a private matter”. Inflation was also an issue. A “healthy school” or the school as a possible “second home” were also the subject of applications, as were waste separation, energy renovation of the schools and making them “climate-friendly”.
After intensive debate and numerous amendments, a number of different demands were voted on and accepted with a large majority. It is regarding “education without prejudice” including raising awareness of discrimination, affordable boarding school prices, communicating current developments in AI, raising awareness of mental illnesses, a free newspaper kiosk for schoolchildren and under the motto “EU you are too!” to implement Erasmus more intensively.
In addition, there were applications on a wide range of educational issues, such as the demand to counteract the economization of education. In addition to the basic digital equipment in schools, other topics related to greater independence in the learning process, a “comprehensive school now” and multilingualism as an opportunity.
Greetings from student representatives from Germany and Luxembourg
Federal school spokeswoman Flora Schmudermayer, who in her closing words at the student parliament thanked everyone involved for their intensive commitment, also moderated a short conversation with two student representatives from Germany and Luxembourg. She welcomed Wiebke Maibaum, General Secretary of the Federal Student Conference Germany, and Dany Semedo, Chairman of the National Student Conference Luxembourg CNEL. Topics of the conversation included the special features of the school systems in the two countries, with Maibaum emphasizing, for example, the sovereignty of the federal states in Germany in this area and Semedo pointing out the linguistic diversity in Luxembourg. (closing) gla/mbu
A NOTICE: Photos from the student parliament can be found in the Parliament web portal.
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