Styrian pilot project

Opportunity for unemployed people with a heart for animals

(Bild: Land Steiermark)

All sides benefit from this initiative: At the beginning of the year, jobseekers with a heart for animals were placed at two model animal shelters in Graz and the Murtal valley. And it turns out: it's going well! And is being expanded.

"We didn't know what to expect. But it's going surprisingly well, the two are an asset to our home and a real help to the team. The goal has definitely been achieved." - Thomas Mrkor, head of the provincial animal shelter in Graz, is very satisfied with the pilot project initiated by Deputy Provincial Governor Anton Lang together with Jugend am Werk and the Styrian Public Employment Service.

"Both sides benefit"
At the beginning of the year, three long-term unemployed people with a feeling and heart for "critters" were placed in two highly committed animal shelters. Initially as transit workers, financed by the state. "Both sides benefit," says Anton Lang happily. "The animal shelters are supported by additional helping hands, and jobseekers have a fulfilling task with great added value."

Plans for expansion
Walerich Berger, Managing Director of Jugend am Werk, also sees the value for everyone: "This is a creative way of bringing animal welfare and social concerns together." The project is initially limited to six months, but due to its success it is to be extended and the number of placements increased.