Bautzen (dpa / sn) – According to the state government, Saxony adequately fulfills its obligation to promote the national Sorb minority. This emerges from the most recent report on the situation of the Sorbian people, which was discussed in the cabinet, which therefore met on Tuesday in the Sorbian “capital” Bautzen. The government is aware that further efforts are needed to preserve and secure the Sorbian language and identity, said Minister of Culture Barbara Klepsch (CDU).
The chairman of the Domowina – Bund Lausitzer Sorben, Dawid Statnik, praised the “wonderful cooperation”. The Free State not only fulfills its duty, “but tries very specifically to support the Sorbians”. Saxony is a pioneer here.
For example, it was the first federal state to present an action plan with specific goals, initiated the “Sorbian? Of course it’s” campaign for the equal presence of Sorbian in Lusatia, and created a service office that helps municipalities to promote bilingualism. According to Klepsch, the “Sorbian? Sure” campaign is included in the Free State’s 2023/2024 double budget, as is the new building for the “Sorbian Knowledge Forum” project in Bautzen.
There, the Sorbian institute, cultural archive, library and museum are to be combined in a centrally located location and given a clear upgrade and greater appreciation. The Board of Trustees will deal with further steps this Thursday so that 2023 can begin, said Klepsch.
Statnik also sees a need for support on the subject of teacher shortages. The language also makes it difficult to attract young people to the region who are also learning Sorbian as a second chance education.
