OMBUDSWOMAN STOISITS VISITS „DEMOKRATIEWERKSTATT“

In November Ombudswoman Stoisits visited the „Demokratiewerkstatt“ where scholars from Wels in Upper Austria had the possibility to meet up personally with the Ombudswoman and ask her questions about her activities and her work. During the workshop, the dedicated schoolchildren from the 4C at the general school 8 moderated discussions with the Ombudswoman which were recorded on video. Many questions were asked: especially concerning procedures within the Board, complaints about the Austrian administration and about the Ombudswoman’s career.

The interested youths wanted to know how to become a Ombudsperson and also posed many questions about everyday life of a Ombudsperson. Everyday a good deed; that’s what the Ombudswoman likes best about her job, she said. The possibility to get to know new things every day and to meet new people during consultation days all over the country, were also mentioned. The Ombudswoman defined a communicative character as a prerequisite for her work. A specific education is not necessary. However, experience in the fields of administration and politics were defined as a big plus.

The Ombudswoman could not name that one most exciting case: the broad spectrum of complaints contains many different exciting topics. However, there are always specific cases which are emotionally touching and unforgettable. The youngest complainant has been 12 years old.

Anybody can turn to the Board. For this reason the Board can be defined as an easily accessible institution. Complaints can be filed in different languages, the Ombudswoman said.

After having asked questions the youths processed the information in videos and a magazine. The 18 scholars had been accompanied by their teachers Silvia and Siegfried Hörmandinger during their trip from Upper Austria to Vienna.

See also the Webpage of the Austrian Parliament.