Ukraine refugees: preparations are underway – salzburg.ORF.at
SOCIAL
In Salzburg, preparations are underway to take in refugees from the Ukraine. The state, ÖBB and Caritas set up an information center at the main train station. The school authorities prepare the admission of children and young people into the education system.
From March 11, refugees will be registered at the main train station right there and advised by Caritas employees. Then they are taken to the exhibition center, where a hall is currently being adapted as an initial reception center, explains Andreas Eichhorn from the state’s social department:
“We want to make arrangements for up to 240 people. You should have the opportunity to rest there. They can be cared for there and receive food. There WILL also be laundry and sanitation facilities, as well as counseling opportunities. The Salzburg State Police Headquarters and the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum will subsequently take over the registration of these people.”
200 private individuals have offered quarters
In the long run, people shouldn’t stay at the exhibition center – that’s why the head of the social department is meeting with the aid organizations on Thursday to discuss the care and distribution of the refugees to quarters.
There are currently around 100 Ukrainian refugees in the country, but most of them are housed privately. At Caritas, too, more than 200 private individuals have already offered quarters for refugees, all of which now have to be checked for suitability. Apart from that, according to Eichhorn, there are currently 700 beds available in the country, mainly in hotels.
20 children already in Salzburg schools
So far, 20 refugee children from Ukraine have been employed at schools in Salzburg, says Education Minister Daniela Gutschi (ÖVP). Because of the total number, the recording is very uncomplicated. The country is now working on setting up a structure if more children should come from the war zone.
Ukrainian on work contract as coordinator
Such children and young people are accepted unbureaucratically as “extraordinary pupils” at Salzburg schools. Now a Ukrainian woman living in Salzburg is also employed as a coordinator with a work contract at the Education Directorate. The rapid integration of the children is important, says Education Minister Gutschi.
Now the education department is looking for interpreters who speak fluent Ukrainian and German. These are hired through the Accents Club. Furthermore, women and men from apprenticeships are also being sought among the refugees, who are then to be employed.