In southern Austria, a quiet transformation in adult education has been underway since 1947. The Catholic Organization for the Education of Adults (Katholisches Bildungswerk Kärnten – KBW), headquartered in Carinthia, has been transforming lives by offering affordable and empowering educational programmes. Its mission? To develop both in-person and online programmes accessible to anyone, regardless of their denomination, culture, or origin.

“We aim to make education available to everyone, no matter their circumstances,” shared a KBW team member. “It’s about giving people the tools to shape their own lives.”

A Diverse Audience, A Common Goal

KBW’s programmes cater to diverse groups: parents, especially those with migration experience; inmates; and seniors seeking to master digital skills. Although their workshops, lectures, and seminars are open to all, the organization tailors much of its work to these key groups.

“It’s not just about education,” said one KBW team member. “It’s about inclusion and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels they have a place in our community.”

Erasmus+ Driving Inclusion and Innovation

A cornerstone of KBW’s success is its collaboration with European partners through Erasmus+ accreditation. This accreditation has been instrumental in continuously improving both the quality of the organization’s work and its educational offerings.

Prison Education: Participation in a prison education conference in Norway provided KBW staff with invaluable insights and connections with other European organizations. These insights are being translated into improved prison education programmes in Austria.

Migration and Integration: During a visit to Brussels, KBW teachers and participants in parent education courses engaged with European Parliament members and other adult education organizations. Topics like migration and integration took central stage, sparking new ideas and opportunities for collaboration.

Digitalization for Seniors: In Spain, KBW trainers attended a course on digitalization in adult education, returning with practical teaching materials to enhance digital literacy for Austria’s senior citizens.

Bridging Gaps for Participants with Fewer Opportunities

One of KBW’s most inspiring achievements lies in how it supports participants with fewer opportunities, not only as the project’s target group but also as active participants in project mobilities. The organization ensured five such participants took part in the mobilities by providing translation support for those facing language barriers and offering extensive preparation to make their experiences enriching and stress-free.

“We didn’t just send them abroad; we made sure they were ready,” a project team member explained. “From teaching them how to navigate public transportation to ensuring they felt safe every step of the way, we were there for them—but we also encouraged them to engage actively and confidently.”

A Mission That Resonates

For KBW, the rewards are profound. Knowing that participants trust the organization enough to place themselves in its care is deeply motivating for the staff. “We’re bringing the European idea closer to people who might never have had this chance otherwise. Everyone deserves to learn and grow, regardless of age or background,” one member concluded.

With Erasmus+ and its steadfast commitment to inclusion, Katholisches Bildungswerk Kärnten continues to inspire hope, transform lives, and embody the spirit of European unity—one workshop, one journey, and one individual at a time.