Slovenia will help the St. Petersburg school

Slovenia has pledged support for the Višja šola za gospodarske poklice in Šentpetru (St. Peter in Rožu), a historic educational institution facing financial and staffing challenges. The school, established in 1908, is the oldest educational establishment for Slovenians in Carinthia and has long been a cornerstone of bilingual education in the region. Its leadership has repeatedly raised concerns over its precarious situation, citing both financial strain and difficulties in maintaining adequate staff. The school's founders, the religious sisters who built it under difficult circumstances, have struggled to meet the demands of running such a high-quality institution. The crisis has prompted discussions with Slovenia’s Minister for Slovenians Abroad and International Affairs, Suzana Lep Šimenko, and State Secretary Dr. Helena Jaklitsch. Representatives from the school, including head administrator Peter Greiner, principal Mag. Marija Olip, and internat director Urša Šebat, have already engaged in talks with Slovenian officials regarding potential assistance. The immediate need is for financial aid to ensure the continued operation of the school and its internat. A more permanent solution is also being sought, with initial discussions scheduled for September 30 in St. Peter. The school, which offers five-year vocational training programs in hospitality, tourism, finance, and agriculture, as well as one-year vocational courses, plays a vital role in preserving bilingual education in Carinthia and promoting the Slovenian language in public life. It is part of cross-border cooperation and actively participates in the local community of St. Jacob in Rožu. Last year, the school attempted to improve its standing through updates to its curriculum and efforts to attract more young people from Carinthia and Austria. These initiatives earned recognition, but they were clearly insufficient to address the underlying issues. The school faces several possible solutions, including closer ties with the Diocese of Celje or integration into Austria’s public education system. However, time is limited, by spring, a resolution must be found. Despite being a private institution, the school is not excluded from receiving support from Austria, as safeguarding bilingual education is mandated by Article 7 of the Austrian Federal Constitution. The school’s significance extends beyond its academic offerings. As a bilingual institution, it serves as a cultural bridge between Slovenia and Austria, ensuring the continuity of Slovenian identity in Carinthia. Many students enrolled in the school come from Slovenia, and today, more than half of its student body consists of Slovenian nationals. This demographic reality underscores the importance of the school not just locally, but also for the broader Slovenian diaspora in Austria. Efforts to secure funding and find a sustainable model for the school’s future involve collaboration between Slovenian authorities and local representatives. Discussions are ongoing, and the involvement of Slovenian politicians highlights the political dimension of this issue. While Austria does not directly manage the school, the responsibility to support bilingual education remains a constitutional obligation. This legal framework provides a basis for seeking assistance from both sides of the border. The upcoming meeting in St. Peter on September 30 will bring together key stakeholders to explore viable options for the school’s survival. Among the proposed measures is immediate financial aid, followed by the search for a lasting solution. The school’s representatives are working closely with Slovenian officials to ensure that their voices are heard and that practical steps are taken to preserve this important institution. The outcome of these discussions could determine whether the school continues to thrive or faces closure.