The idea to establish the foundation was proposed by Philipp Achammer, the State Councilor for Education, and it was launched by the state government (Resolution No. 848 of October 3, 2023) in cooperation with a representative body of the organization—the Horizont Association. The foundation was officially established with the notarized deed of incorporation on September 23, 24, and through the first convening of the Foundation Board on September 26, 24. The foundation’s work is governed by its bylaws, which were approved by the provincial government.
The foundation aims to create new opportunities and offer support so that educational work can expand into new areas and develop new qualities.
Communities can organize themselves and find answers to their own questions and global challenges;
Children, youth, and adults can empower themselves. What they need to do this are opportunities;
By mindfully weaving together the diverse potentials of humanity, they can unleash the power to shape the present and the future.
We want to support the stakeholders (including students) in our educational landscape so that they can take the necessary steps themselves to make education fit for the future.
We rely on dialogue and participatory processes.
We also rely on strong teams and communities that drive and take responsibility for initiatives and projects.
“It was the first time we were able to build something of our own. At the learning center, I realized that learning can also be an adventure.”
“My son came home and had so much to share. He learned there how important teamwork is—not just for school, but for life.”
“The foundation gives us the courage to try new things. Without its support, we wouldn’t have been able to carry out our project.”
External learning sites are places outside of school where children and young people can have enriched learning experiences—for example, a farm, an outdoor art studio, an abandoned school building...
The location with the longest tradition is the Langtaufers Adventure School. About 10 years ago, the Burger Hof in the Prags Valley was brought back into use. It is owned by the EOS Social Cooperative and is primarily used by educational institutions in the Puster Valley. A new addition is the WerkSTOTTschual Aschbach, an old school that was renovated through a vocational training program and converted into a self-sufficient house. In the Ahrntal Valley, the SSP Ahrntal has launched a special project: the “Draußenschule Ahrntal.”
A location is currently being sought for the Wipp and Eisack valleys. An old farmstead in Ratschings is being considered. There are other ideas, but they must first be evaluated. In Perdonig (above Eppan), the state has taken over the abandoned old elementary school from the municipality. It is to be repurposed as a learning center.
The state is ready to establish an external learning center in every district. In addition, there are plans to support other smaller initiatives and find sponsors in the respective communities!
