Austria's multilingual education programme wins 2024 UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize

Amid Austria's diverse linguistic landscape, where children in migrant communities frequently navigate multiple languages, the 'voXmi educational network'programme has emerged as a shining example of innovation and inclusivity.

Launched in 2008, 'voXmi'was designed to transform the educational system by recognizing and leveraging the linguistic diversity often overlooked in schools and kindergartens. Driven by a vision of inclusivity and equality, the programme aims to ensure that every child, regardless of language or background, has the opportunity to thrive.

'VoXmi' is inspired by the challenges and opportunities of Austria's multilingual composition. Drawing on global citizenship education, the initiative emphasizes the human rights to language and participation, aiming to counteract exclusion, racism and linguicism in education. This core philosophy has been the foundation of 'voXmi' and continues to guide its strategy and outreach today, as it strives to foster democracy education within migrant societies.

'VoXmi' has developed a broad spectrum of language-friendly educational practices accessible to educators at all levels. The programme annually selects themes that reflect pressing social issues, fostering deep engagement with multilingualism as a democratic and societal asset. 'VoXmi' encourages schools and kindergartens to collaborate closely with parents from multilingual backgrounds, promoting an understanding and appreciation of linguistic diversity.

Central to 'VoXmi's' strategy is the co-creation of educational opportunities, emphasizing a collaborative approach with local and international partners, including the Language Friendly School network. The programme also utilizes digital tools to support its multilingual education framework, ensuring that its methodologies are as inclusive as they are technologically innovative.

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Fostering multilingual education for tomorrow

'VoXmi' assesses its impact through a comprehensive institutional approach, developing cultures within educational settings that are conducive to multilingual education. Through self-evaluations, discussions among educators, and community feedback, 'voXmi' gauges its own effectiveness in promoting peaceful coexistence and enhancing literacy among diverse populations.

From transforming underperforming schools into centres of educational excellence, such as Oberau Primary in Vorarlberg, to fostering interdisciplinary teams at institutions like Feldgasse Grammar School in Vienna, 'voXmi' has demonstrated significant success in engaging communities and reshaping educational environments to be more inclusive and multilingual-friendly.

By integrating literacy with democracy education, in alignment with Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 'voXmi' actively contributes to peacebuilding within educational communities. It champions environments where languages and cultures can intersect freely, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Looking ahead, 'voXmi' is focused on expanding its reach to more kindergartens and vocational schools, enhancing inclusive education, and increasing engagement with Austria's minority languages. This forward-looking approach is set to further consolidate 'voXmi's' role as a leader in multilingual and multicultural education.

'VoXmi' aspires to be integral to the training of all educators in Austria, promoting lifelong learning and supporting multilingual literacy. On International Literacy Day, 'voXmi' sends a powerful message of unity, celebrating the joy and mutual benefits of learning from and with each other across all languages and cultures. 'VoXmi's' receipt of the 2024 UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize not only highlights its achievements but also reinforces its commitment to a world where multilingual education is a cornerstone of societal development and peace.

More about the programme

Video presenting the programme

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes