A visit with a special mission – police as guests at the StartWien Hub
On October 28, 2025, the StartWien Hub A very special visit: A real police officer stood at the door – this time, however, not on duty, but in the spirit of dialogue, trust and clarification.
As part of the initiative GEMEINSAM.SICHER of the Austrian Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF) a bridge was built at the StartWien Hub – between the police and the people living in Austria. The aim was to promote understanding, reduce barriers and strengthen mutual trust.
The information session covered a wide range of topics – from democracy and human rights to criminal and administrative law, and even the daily work of the Austrian police. Together with the precinct inspector, the group took a look behind the scenes of law enforcement: What rights and obligations do citizens have? What is the police allowed to do – and what are they not? And how does the path to citizenship actually work?
The content was presented in a practical manner, with illustrative examples and short case studies that the participants solved together with the precinct inspector. An interpreter accompanied the event to ensure that all content could be understood and followed.
Our participants were thrilled, asked many questions – and went home with new knowledge and more confidence in their everyday lives.
A heartfelt thank you to the precinct inspector for the open exchange and valuable insights. We look forward to further exciting encounters and discussions that demonstrate: security begins with trust.
More articles
Learning with all senses: Basic education at Interface Vienna
Colors, focused faces, collaborative problem-solving, team laughter: The artistic photo medley about basic education for young people at Interface Wien impressively demonstrates what learning means here. Holistic learning is central to the basic education program for young people and young adults – many of whom are new to Austria and have a refugee background.
Learning with a view – Excursion to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel
For the course participants at the StartWien Hub, things took off this week: a joint excursion led them to the Vienna Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater. Because learning German with us doesn't just happen in the classroom – actively exploring the city is just as much a part of it.
One year of StartWien Hub: Integration work of tomorrow
Following a successful first year as a pilot project, Interface Wien's StartWien Hub demonstrates how integration in Vienna can succeed today and tomorrow: holistically, in a coordinated manner, and closely aligned with the real-life situations of newly arrived immigrants and families. This innovative model is made possible by funding from the City of Vienna – Municipal Department for Integration and Diversity (MA 17).
During the visit of Deputy Mayor Bettina Emmerling and the head of the Department for Integration and Diversity of the City of Vienna, Theodora Manolakos, this all-in-one approach became immediately tangible.