Lerncafés

At the Caritas Learning Cafés, socially disadvantaged children and young people aged 6 to 15 receive free educational support — and much more than that. The Learning Cafés provide a safe space for learning, growing, and belonging. They strengthen children and young people in their educational development, promote social skills, and contribute to positive interaction within a diverse society.

Many children and young people face major challenges: complex learning content, limited space to study at home, insufficient support from parents, or language barriers. This is where the Learning Cafés help. Our teams of educational professionals and dedicated volunteers support students in understanding school material, completing homework, and preparing for exams and tests. Educational success requires more than academic support alone. The focus is on:

• strengthening German language, reading, and learning skills
• supporting the path toward a successful school graduation
• building self-organisation, motivation, and self-confidence
• promoting social skills such as teamwork, consideration, and conflict resolution
• creating access to learning and life experiences for children who might otherwise have limited opportunities

In this way, the Learning Cafés become places where children and young people grow not only academically, but also personally.

As of 05 January 2026

The Learning Cafés bring together children and young people from different countries of origin, languages, and backgrounds. Through regular learning together, integration becomes a natural part of everyday life.

Students experience diversity as an enrichment, develop social responsibility, and learn how to interact respectfully and confidently within their communities. Through their work, the Learning Cafés contribute sustainably to:

• improving educational opportunities,
• strengthening social cohesion,
• breaking down stereotypes,
• reducing educational inequality, and
• preventing poverty through education.

The daily healthy snack also ensures that no child has to learn while hungry.

Strengthening parents, supporting schools – Learning Cafés as part of a network

In addition to close cooperation with schools, the Learning Cafés work closely with parents and offer parent evenings and information services — accessible, supportive, and approachable. The collaboration between all educational partners creates a strong support network for children and young people. Parents are empowered in their role and can better accompany their children on their educational journey.

Volunteering at the Learning Cafés

The Learning Cafés offer volunteers the opportunity to engage socially, share their knowledge, support young people in their educational journey, and gain valuable social and educational experience at the same time. Information about volunteering at the Learning Cafés is available from the Caritas organisations in each Austrian province.

Learning Cafés near you

Caritas Vienna
Caritas St. Pölten
Caritas Burgenland
Caritas Styria
Caritas Upper Austria
Caritas Carinthia
Caritas Salzburg 
Caritas Tyrol
Caritas Vorarlberg

The first Caritas Learning Café opened in Graz in autumn 2007. Today, the educational programme is available throughout Austria and is repeatedly recognised nationally and internationally as a best-practice example.

The project is co-funded by the Austrian Federal Chancellery.