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The latest OECD figures paint an alarming picture: Almost a third of adults in Austria cannot read and understand simple texts adequately. Months after the initial survey, follow-up data from September 2025 show no trend reversal despite announced measures. On the contrary, the percentage of adults with low literacy skills has even risen slightly to 31 percent. From our daily work, we are all too familiar with the dramatic consequences of this development. If people cannot read sufficiently, they are doubly disadvantaged in the digital world. They cannot fill out online forms, use digital government channels, understand emails, or critically evaluate information on the internet. Digitization, which was supposed to enable greater participation for everyone, is thus becoming an additional barrier. Announcements alone are not enough. Politicians are responding with declarations of intent: a €65 million opportunity bonus, a second year of kindergarten, more diagnostics. However, nothing improved between December 2024 and September 2025. In our training programs, we see daily how difficult it is for people with low literacy skills to connect with the digital society. The facts are clear: The number of functionally illiterate people has almost doubled since 2012. Education continues to be strongly inherited – only 16 percent without academic parents obtain a university degree. People with low literacy skills participate least in continuing education – a vicious cycle. What is really needed: Instead of more announcements, immediate, concrete steps are needed: 1. Low-threshold digital literacy for adults: You learn to read by reading. Digital applications can motivate and provide individual support – if they are used correctly. But this requires comprehensive, free services. 2. Hardware access for all: A computer or tablet is as important today as a school textbook. Families with low levels of education often cannot afford them. Educational barriers arise here even before the child leaves school.3. Early intervention instead of grade repetition: The OECD confirms that grade repetition is expensive and stigmatizing, but brings little improvement in performance. The money would be better invested in digital learning tools and individual support.4. Expanding extracurricular support: Children from educationally disadvantaged families especially need places where they can access technology and receive support with their learning. Clubs like ours do this work – usually with minimal resources. A year wasted: Almost a year lies between the two studies. A year in which thousands of children left school with inadequate reading skills. A year in which adults remained excluded from the digital society. A year in which announcements were made, but no tangible improvements were achieved. Digitalization doesn't wait for political timetables. Every day, more bureaucratic processes, more job postings, more information become available exclusively online. Those who cannot read and navigate digitally lose out – and with them the chance of social participation. Austria cannot afford this development. It's not just about education statistics, but about the future of almost a third of the population. It is high time to move from announcements to action – before another generation is lost. PCs for All has been committed to digital inclusion and equal opportunities for years. We see every day what access to technology and education can achieve – and what is missing when both are lacking.

We are delighted that we were able to support a small school in Afghanistan with laptops. The organization "You are welcome" (www.you-are-welcome.at) contacted us and actually managed to get the devices to Afghanistan. This is, of course, just a drop in the ocean, but a drop nonetheless, and a sign of international solidarity.    

Comments on the current OECD education studyArticle in the Standard www.derstandard.at/story/3000000286961/wo-das-bildungssystem-nachhilfe-brauchtThe latest figures from the OECD education study confirm once again what we as an association "PCs für alle"We have been observing for years: educational opportunities in Austria are still largely inherited. What the report only mentions in passing, however, is the central role of digital equipment in perpetuating this inequality. The overlooked digital dimension: While Education Minister Wiederkehr is rightly allocating €65 million for schools with special challenges, one crucial aspect is missing from the discussion: equal access to digital technology. Our experience shows that children from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds often not only receive less support with reading and writing, but also lack adequate access to computers and the internet. The fact that 31 percent of adults in Austria have poor reading skills is exacerbated by a lack of digital skills. In an increasingly digitized world of work, it is no longer enough to simply promote basic skills – digital education must be considered from the outset. Our demands: Basic digital equipment for all: Every child should have access to a functioning computer – not only at school, but also at home. The current "Digital School" initiative is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't reach the Still too short. Parental involvement in the digital sector: If education is largely inherited, we must also involve parents. We need low-threshold offerings for basic digital education aimed at adults with low reading and writing skills. Vocational digital continuing education: OECD expert Schleicher is right – people don't want to return to school-like environments. Digital skills must be taught directly in the workplace, where they can be immediately applied. Supporting career changers: The increasing number of career changers into teaching also offers opportunities for more digital skills in schools. Many bring practical IT experience that can enrich the traditional education system. An appeal to politicians: The planned €65 million is important, but it should also be used specifically for digital infrastructure and skills training. Educational equity in the 21st century is unthinkable without digital participation. As an association, "PCs für alle"We are ready to contribute our experience to this important discussion. Because one thing is clear: Without equal access to the digital world, the educational gap and the inheritance of educational opportunities will only widen. OECD-Bildungarbeiterkammer.at

We are delighted to have already been able to offer internships to many young people – whether as part of their schooling, a career change, or simply out of interest in IT and social engagement. Learning is at the heart of everything we do: Our interns work with a wide variety of hardware and software, are encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. They gain insights into real-world processes, receive support, and are integrated into daily work – as equals. Because we believe: A good internship is an opportunity. For the interns – and for us.

Donate your school laptop! At pcsfüralle.at, we collect used but functional laptops and get them ready for their next use – for students who can't afford their own computer. Your donation helps make education more equitable and enable digital participation. It's that easy: Drop off your school laptop with us after graduation. We prepare it in compliance with data protection regulations. We give it away free of charge to students in need. Together we can achieve more – join us! Here's the link to download a .pdf – it would be great if this were shared with many schools. https://www.pcsfueralle.at/uploads/presse/Matura-Laptop.pdf

Education for All: A Vision Why Equal Opportunities Matter Equal opportunities in education are crucial to ensuring social justice and sustainable economic progress. Everyone should have the opportunity to fully develop their abilities and talents, regardless of their social or economic background. Without equal opportunities, existing inequalities are reinforced and disadvantaged groups are further marginalized. This leads to a vicious cycle of poverty and social exclusion that is difficult to break. By promoting equal opportunities, we can help ensure that everyone has a fair chance at education and thus at a better life. This strengthens not only the individual but also society as a whole, as well-educated citizens contribute to a more innovative and productive community. The Challenge in Austria Austria faces several challenges when it comes to equal opportunities in education. Despite a well-developed education system, there are significant disparities in access to educational resources, particularly among low-income families, those with little education, or those in rural areas. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds often have less support at home and less access to extracurricular educational opportunities. Language barriers can pose a further obstacle, especially for children with a migration background. These factors contribute to the fact that not all students have the same opportunities to realize their educational potential. Furthermore, early selection in the Austrian school system can lead to disadvantaged children having fewer opportunities to pursue higher education. These challenges require targeted measures and programs to provide all children with equal opportunities for a high-quality education. Partnerships and cooperation are a key factor in the success of the educational initiatives of "PCs für alle" are the strong partnerships and cooperations with various organizations and institutions. Through cooperation with schools, universities, non-profit organizations and local NGOs, "PCs für alle" significantly increase its reach and impact. These partnerships give the association access to additional resources, expertise and networks that are crucial for implementation. For example, "PCs für alle" works closely with schools to provide hardware that meets the specific needs of students. In addition, "PCs für alle" with companies to create internships and training positions for young adults and thus facilitate their transition into the job market. Through these diverse collaborations, "PCs für alle" sure that its educational initiatives are sustainable and effective and make a real difference in society. How you can helpVolunteering and donating Volunteering and donating are two key ways you can support the educational initiatives of "PCs für alle" can support. As a volunteer, you have the opportunity to work directly with children and adults and help them achieve their educational goals. This can be through tutoring, mentoring, or assisting with events and workshops. Your time and commitment can make a significant difference in the lives of the people who benefit from these programs. Donations are also of great importance to support the various programs and initiatives of "PCs für alle". Your financial support makes it possible to start new projects, expand existing programs, and provide educational resources. Even smaller donations help promote equal opportunities in education and bring about positive long-term change. By getting involved or donating, you are actively supporting the mission of "PCs für alle" and contribute to creating a fairer society. Become part of the community As part of the community of "PCs für alle" offers you the opportunity to actively support equal opportunities in education and, at the same time, to make valuable contacts. By participating in our events, workshops, and networking meetings, you can exchange ideas with like-minded people, develop ideas, and work together on projects that have a positive impact on society. Our community consists of committed people from different walks of life, all of whom share a common goal of making education accessible to everyone. By joining us, you can not only expand your own knowledge and skills, but also help others achieve their educational goals. We invite you to visit us, exchange ideas about and with us in forums and on social media, and stay up to date. Your participation and commitment are crucial to successfully implementing our mission and creating a fairer educational landscape in Austria. Like almost everything that PCs für alle This text is also a co-production. Co-written by Beate Loinger, Doris Neuhofer, Sigrid Zaussinger, Peter Bernscherer, and the AI :)