Language and Education

In our region, the Sorbian language is actively promoted from early childhood onwards. Numerous nurseries and schools provide bilingual educational programmes that sustainably support the preservation and transmission of Sorbian.

“Witaj” Model in the Region

Bilingual education

Early Childhood Education with the “Witaj” Model

In all nurseries, the Sorbian language is actively spoken and conveyed through songs, poems, customs and celebrations. Traditions such as the Bird Wedding, Easter egg decorating or the raising of the maypole shape everyday life and foster the children’s cultural identity.

In the region of the Regional Association “Michał Hórnik” Kamjenc | Kamenz, Witaj nurseries play a central role in early language development. The Witaj model, as a method of language immersion, aims to introduce children to the Sorbian language from an early age in a playful and natural way.

In the Witaj nurseries in Chrósćicy | Crostwitz, Ralbicy | Ralbitz and other municipalities, Sorbian is not only taught but actively used in daily routines. Children experience the language through songs, stories and games, enabling them to internalise it naturally. The close connection to Sorbian culture is particularly important: traditional customs such as the Bird Wedding or Easter egg decorating are firmly embedded in everyday nursery life.

The Witaj method has proven to be an effective approach to promoting bilingualism. It strengthens not only children’s language skills but also their awareness of Sorbian identity and culture.

 


Bilingual Education in Schools of the Region

At primary school level, Sorbian primary schools in Chrósćicy | Crostwitz, Pančicy-Kukow | Panschwitz-Kuckau, Ralbicy | Ralbitz and Worklecy | Räckelwitz continue bilingual education. Under the concept of the “Bilingual Sorbian–German School”, pupils are taught bilingually in order to develop active bilingualism.

Secondary schools and the Sorbian Grammar School in Budyšin | Bautzen also promote pupils’ linguistic and cultural competence.

Parents can choose whether their children are taught in Sorbian classes or learn Sorbian as an additional subject. At the following schools, Sorbian is the language of instruction in several subjects:

  • Sorbische Grundschule Crostwitz (Website)
  • Sorbische Grundschule Panschwitz-Kuckau (Website)
  • Sorbische Grundschule Ralbitz (Website)
  • Sorbische Grundschule Räckelwitz (Website)
  • Sorbische Oberschule Ralbitz (Website)
  • Sorbische Oberschule Räckelwitz (Website)