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In Austria, 1,7 million people are currently at risk of poverty or social exclusion – that's 18,8 percent of the population, 170.000 more than in 2024. Single parents are particularly affected: 25 percent of them are among the ten percent of households with the lowest incomes. Behind this figure lie real life situations. A woman who recently wrote to us sums it up perfectly: She used her parental leave to complete her high school diploma, will begin studying educational science in the fall – and simply doesn't have the money for a laptop. As a single parent, she bears responsibility for her daughter and herself simultaneously. A device that many take for granted can determine educational opportunities. 411.000 children and young people in Austria are at risk of poverty or social exclusion – 81.000 more than last year. Children of single parents are disproportionately affected. According to the Samaritan Association, students are also increasingly experiencing financial hardship and more frequently need to make use of assistance services. This is precisely where the [organization/organization] comes in. PCs für alle We give refurbished laptops and computers to people who otherwise couldn't afford digital access – so that education isn't a matter of bank balance. But I wonder what all these high achievers who peddle the motto "Performance must pay off again" actually do?

The Association PCs für alle[Name of person/organization], who has been advocating for digital inclusion, media literacy, and low-threshold access to digital technologies for all people for years, expressly supports this open letter – and would like to highlight one aspect in particular that often receives too little attention in the public debate: the protection of personal rights in the digital sphere. Data protection is not a luxury, but a fundamental right. The letter rightly points out that ongoing deregulation initiatives are intended to result in "employees having less control over their own data and their monitoring in the workplace being facilitated." For our organization, this is a warning sign. Personal rights – the right to informational self-determination, to privacy, to control one's own data – are not technical details. They are the foundation for people to live freely, responsibly, and with dignity in a digital society. Those people whom we, as an organization, help – the elderly, people with low incomes, people with a migration background – are particularly vulnerable when these protective standards are weakened. They often lack the legal resources or technical expertise to defend themselves against data misuse or excessive surveillance. Omnibus packages as a problem for democracy: We are particularly critical of the fact that far-reaching changes to data protection and digital law are to be implemented as "omnibus packages" without broad public consultation. Laws that are opaque in their creation will not enjoy public trust – and digital trust is a prerequisite for the social acceptance of digitalization. Our appeal: We endorse the demand made to Federal Chancellor Stocker: Personal rights and data protection must not be sacrificed to pressure from economic lobby groups. Digital participation requires that people can trust that their data is protected – whether as employees, consumers, or citizens. A society in which surveillance becomes the norm is not a society in which digital technologies serve humanity. Vienna, March 17, 2026 – Peter Bernscherer. Here is the open letter: www.kettensaege-stoppen.at/offener-brief and here is the website of the platform: www.kettensaege-stoppen.at/

On this International Women's Day, we not only celebrate the strength and courage of women – we also send a clear message against the injustices that far too many of us experience daily. The reality is uncomfortable: women earn less, perform more unpaid care work, and bear the greater burden of family responsibilities. And when their working lives end, many face a particularly bitter reality – poverty in old age. Women are disproportionately affected by poverty in old age because employment histories were interrupted, because part-time work became a necessity, and because pension systems still contain structural disadvantages. This is not a given. This is a system that we can and must change. More than just fine words: Feminism is not about giving flowers once a year and then going back to business as usual. That's exactly the kind of bullshit we no longer need. Feminism means: Basic security for all: Pensions that are enough to live on, not enough to starve. Justice at work: Equal pay, recognition of care work, opportunities for genuine equality of opportunity. Protection from violence and arbitrary treatment: Everywhere, at work, in family, and in society. Genuine participation: Not just in words, but in decision-making structures. Our mission: The PCS for All association stands for people who are serious about equality and social justice. We see women in precarious employment. We see the invisible work that is done every day. We see elderly women who have always worked and now have to count every penny three times over. We see mothers who cannot afford to buy their children computers. A woman who supported us was murdered by her partner. And we are taking action. Today and every day: More Feminism, Less Bullshit – fewer empty promises, more genuine solidarity, and concrete changes.

Recently, a man visited us bringing several laptops for repair – not for himself, but for his fellow residents in an assisted living facility. What initially seemed like a routine repair request turned into a conversation that deeply moved us. The man is only 50 years old. After suffering a stroke, he now has to manage on a very small disability pension – a dramatic change for someone who had worked for over 30 years and always earned a good living. Today, he lives in assisted living with other elderly or ill people. "I never imagined I would find myself in a situation where I couldn't even buy a computer," he told us. These words vividly illustrate how quickly a life can change and how crucial digital access becomes, especially when mobility is limited. Why our work matters: For many people in similar situations, a functioning computer is more than just a device – it is: A window to the world; A connection to family and friends; Access to important information and government services; A piece of normalcy and independence. PCs für alle This is precisely where we come in: We repair donated devices and make them accessible to people for whom a new computer has become unaffordable. Digital exclusion should not be a consequence of illness or low income. Your support makes all the difference. Whether through device donations, volunteering, or financial assistance – together we enable digital participation for everyone. When good intentions meet a lack of expertise: One of the laptops had an interesting story: A young man had tried to repair the device – his approach was well-intentioned and fundamentally sound. He wanted to install a new SSD to revive the aging laptop. The problem: He apparently didn't know that there are two different standards for M.2 SSDs – SATA and NVMe. The NVMe SSD he installed fit perfectly into the M.2 slot of the approximately 10-year-old laptop, but the device couldn't use it. The laptop only supported SATA M.2 SSDs, while the newer, faster NVMe variant was not recognized by the old controller. A typical compatibility problem that illustrates: Computer repair requires not only good intentions but also technical expertise. For many people in similar situations, a functioning computer is more than just a device – it is: - A window to the world - A connection to family and friends - Access to important information and government services - A piece of normalcy and independence. PCs für alle This is precisely where we come in: We professionally repair donated devices and make them accessible to people for whom a new computer has become unaffordable. Our team is familiar with such compatibility issues and finds the right solution for every device. 

As you know, we do much more than "just" repair and give away computers. On Friday, Beate Loinger was in Linz with Erich Hofmarcher from the Kiwanis and picked up about 30 strollers. Some are already at the refugee camp in Traiskirchen, and the rest will be brought to Train of Hope tomorrow. Both facilities are constantly receiving people with small children who lost their strollers while fleeing or couldn't take them with them. Pictured here are Carsten Aulenbacher and Leo Brunner, who helped load them in Linz.  

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

When school starts again in Austria in September, many children look forward to new notebooks, pens, and other materials. However, for families affected by poverty, this new beginning is often a huge burden: The necessary school supplies cost money that isn't available in the household budget. For children in particular, this means starting under unequal conditions – even though school should be open to everyone.PCs für alle would like to support this. We collect not only computers, laptops and IT equipment, but also office supplies, which we distribute free of charge to children and schools. Because digital participation begins with a functioning PC – but also with a pen, a pad and the little things that are essential for successful learning. Recently, Director Wagner of the Schönngasse special school donated to the association PCs für alle various office supplies. In the accompanying video, he talks about the importance of such support for his students – and how crucial it is to ensure no child is left behind in their learning. With your help, we can continue to provide children and schools with materials that make a crucial difference in their everyday lives. Many thanks to the team at Time Bank – Erste Bank's volunteer platform.

For many children, the new school year begins with new notebooks, pens—and hopefully, a functioning computer. But for many families, this is simply unaffordable. As part of this year's Volkshilfe Vorarlberg school start campaign, we are providing 170 fully functional IT devices—120 complete PC systems and 50 laptops—free of charge to children and young people from low-income families. Here is a report on the preparations: https://www.pcsfueralle.at/aktuelles/drei-tage-drei-laender---wir-helfen-gemeinsam-294. The devices were thoroughly checked, refurbished, and equipped with all the necessary programs by our team. Thanks to the generous support of the Propter Homines Foundation (Vaduz, Liechtenstein) and SECI (Executive Coordinator Dr. Michael Fazekas), we are able to implement this campaign on a large scale. The materials will be distributed to families via the Volkshilfe Vorarlberg locations: Bregenz, Belruptstraße 1; Feldkirch, Haus am Katzenturm, Hirschgraben 14 (entrance to the Südwind Library). "Especially at the start of school, it is crucial that children have access to digital resources – whether for lessons, homework, or access to learning platforms," emphasizes Anton Schäfer, State Chairman of Volkshilfe Vorarlberg. Through our work, we ensure that digital education does not remain a luxury, but is accessible to all children – regardless of their parents' income. We thank all supporters who make this important campaign possible.

Thanks to your support, we were able to implement part of our plans. With the donations of €1.500, we purchased food, medication, various electrical appliances, a boiler, and cleaning supplies, and are also paying for repairs and the installation of showers. The residents are particularly happy because they now have hot water again. Help for a home for blind people in Kharkiv – continuedWe have some good news to report. Our goal was to equip the home with sanitary facilities, medicines, kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, etc. A dignified life should not be a question of war or disability.Help for a home for the blind in KharkivThanks to your support, we were able to implement part of our plans. With the donations of €1,500, we purchased food, medication, various electrical appliances, a boiler, and cleaning supplies, and are also paying for repairs and the installation of showers. The residents are particularly happy because they now have hot water again. Допомога для будинку сліпих людей у Харкові - продовженняТут є хороші новини. This means that the buds are beautiful, sweets, and kitchen приладдям, мкрохвильовими печами тощо. Now you don't have to pay anything for it будинку для сліпих у ХарковіЗавдяки вашій пЖдтримці ми змогли ралізувати частину наших планів. For the delivery of large items up to 1500 meters the price of the product харчування, ліки, різні електроприлади, бойлер та засоби для прибирання, a So it was nice Repair and installation of the shower cabin. The people heard the hot sign and the hot water.     

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.

We – the association "PCs für alle" – want to help. Our goal is to equip the home with sanitary facilities, medicines, kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, etc. A dignified life should not be a matter of war or disability. Here's how you can help: - Donations in kind: Please contact us - Donations of money: For transport and purchase of the necessary items - Spread the word: Please share this post and make others aware of our project! We - the "PCs für alle" association - want to help.Our aim is to equip the home with sanitary facilities, medicines, kitchen appliances, microwave ovens, etc. A dignified life must not be a question of war or disability. This is how you can help:- Donations in kind: Please by arrangement- Monetary donations: For transportation and purchase of the required items- Spread the word: Please share this article and make others aware of our project!  

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

Social Inclusion and Equal Opportunities: Trade unions have been fighting for decades for fair working conditions, fair pay, and social security. They are committed to ensuring that all members—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—can participate equally in economic and social life. Likewise, the association "PCs für alle" aims to provide access to digital technologies, especially for families and children from vulnerable groups. Digital Workplace In times of digital change and increased home office work, it is becoming clear that access to modern technology – such as computers and digital equipment – is also an element of workplace justice. This is where the approach of "PCs für alle" of the trade union movement by ensuring that no one is left behind by the digital transformation.Connecting the world of work and education. Especially on Labor Day, which, in addition to working conditions, also repeatedly focuses on the topic of further training and qualification, we want to help ensure that employees, trainees www.digilehre.at and students can acquire the necessary digital skills to be successful in an increasingly digitalized world of work. Especially in times of growing inequality and increasing societal challenges, commitment is necessary at all levels. The fight for social justice and educational opportunities does not end with individual projects - it must also be led politically. Therefore, our call: Get involved - in unions, associations, initiatives or politics! Commit yourself to fair educational opportunities, for social security and for solidarity! Whether through campaigns such as "PCs für alle", by supporting workers' rights, or by actively participating in politics: every voice and every helping hand counts. Together we can create a society in which education, work, and participation do not depend on social background, but are open to everyone.

The children need not only psychotherapy, but also other forms of support. The facility therefore offers animal-assisted education with goats, sheep, and llamas, as well as painting, design, and art therapy. These diverse opportunities help the children process their experiences and grow into self-confident, self-determined adults. A particularly touching example is a young man who came to the facility 12 years ago with major problems. With much effort and support, he successfully completed his school career and now faces a promising future. The staff at this facility are proud to have accompanied him on this journey and helped him lead a self-determined life – despite all adversities. Currently, 24 children live in the children's European House, divided into three residential groups. This community offers them stability and support in a time often characterized by uncertainty and fear. We have provided laptops and tablets to help the children better cope with the digital world. Pamela Mensing orchestrated all of this. She is a psychotherapist and active with the SPÖ (Social Democratic Party of Austria), Volkshilfe (People's Aid), and SOS Balkan Route. She speaks about fear, which is actually a normal and good feeling, but which can become overwhelming and harmful due to constant negative stimuli and a lack of options for action. In times like these, it is all the more important to organize and find solutions together – politically and socially.

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 :)