Governance and Power Struggles - Sorb media seek to broaden choices for youth audience
The primary focus of the fifth financing agreement for the foundation in 2026 revolved around supporting initiatives like learning programs and digital media offers in Upper Lusatia and Lower Lusatia. Additionally, promoting languages in the Witaj projects in Brandenburg and Saxony was crucial. Witaj, which translates to "Welcome" in Sorbian, signifies bilingual care and education in kindergartens and schools.
Schiemann stressed the importance of this new arrangement, stating that it would help secure the Sorbian language's future and facilitate its development. With the previous agreement, foundations were established to ensure the longevity of these projects. Subsequent generations should have the opportunity to continue shaping and preserving the Sorbian language and culture. As a result, proper funding for digital offerings must be prioritized, benefiting both learning and media projects for young people.
In 2021, the federal government and the states of Saxony and Brandenburg dedicated additional funding to the Sorbs through the Fourth Financing Agreement. This deal generated approximately 23.9 million euros per year - a significant yearly increase of 5.3 million euros compared to the previous financing period.
Institutions such as the Sorbian National Ensemble, the German-Sorbian People's Theater, and the Wendish Museum in Cottbus profited from these investments. With an estimated population of around 60,000, the Sorbian and Wendish communities reside primarily in Saxon Upper Lusatia and Brandenburg Lower Lusatia.
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The fifth financing agreement for 2026 aimed to strengthen learning programs and digital media in Berlin, specifically targeting the youth audience. This would further the reach of the Sorbian language and culture beyond Lower Lusatia and Upper Lusatia.
In line with the new agreement, efforts to promote Sorb minority education will extend beyond Witaj projects in Brandenburg and Saxony, potentially impacting neighboring regions like Berlin.
Given the success of the German Press Agency in its contributions to the Sorbian community, expectations are high for its role in fostering digital media offerings in Berlin, allowing for a broader youth audience engagement.
With the majority of the Sorbian and Wendish population residing in Saxony's Upper Lusatia and Brandenburg's Lower Lusatia, extending culturally enriching initiatives to Berlin can attract youth from various minority backgrounds, encouraging inclusivity and unity within these communities.
An investment in digital offerings in Berlin could lead to a surge in Sorb youth participation in education and media, potentially influencing the future of Sorb minority representation in and beyond Lower and Upper Lusatia.
Furthermore, securing the Sorbian language's future necessitates expanding resources for digital media and education across different regions, particularly in Berlin, where the youth population can significantly benefit from opportunities to engage with Sorb culture and language.
