106 107 Pilgrimage into the future: The vision of a Pilgrim school for the next generation How the Vienna Business School Akademiestraße helps to shape future-oriented education Why do we go on pilgrimage? The world around us is constantly changing and it is vital that we actively engage with this change. In today's digital era, technology and innovation play a crucial role. From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, there are countless areas where progress is being made. The key to a new and better world for all lies not in accepting the future, but in actively creating it. The diverse talents, ideas, and passions of young people can help to shape the world of tomorrow. It is important to strengthen the curiosity, courage and, above all, the willingness of the next generation to live their dreams. The Vienna Business School Akademiestraße is the first and oldest commercial academy in the German-speaking world and looks back on a long tradition of innovative education, helping form the character of generations of students since 1857. Our graduates frequently hold important management positions, where they play a key role in shaping economic and social life. What is our vision for the future? The school has long recognised that sustainable thinking and action secure the future of coming generations. The definition of sustainability encompasses the holistic view of economy, ecology, and society and leads to decisions that consider all three aspects equally. However, the development of humanity has taught us that spirituality is indispensable as a further dimension of life. There are as many definitions of spirituality as there are people. But all explanations have one thing in common: spirituality refers to the inner journey of searching for meaning and purpose in life. It is about connecting with something greater than oneself. In this context, mindfulness is an expression of lived spirituality. The awareness that everything forms a unity underpins every action. It was therefore a logical step for the "Akademiestraße" to join the PILGRIM network, where education for sustainable development is combined with spirituality in the religious-ethicalphilosophical dimension of education. Occasionally, I get asked why a school with an economic and commercial focus, which after all is “all about money”, is a PILGRIM school. It is precisely for this reason that the VBS Akademiestraße is committed to the PILGRM idea: the young people we mould start their careers with a high level of economic and financial literacy. Thanks to their broad specialist and general education, they are able to assess and make prudent decisions that have a lasting impact on an entire system. Sustainability is therefore a fundamental principle of teaching. We emphasise a high level of environmental commitment and sustainable school development. How do we emphasise sustainability? We are one of the few vocational secondary and middle schools authorised to carry the eco-label (Umweltzeichen). We are particularly proud of this! The professional preparation for certification was made possible during the pandemic thanks to the tireless commitment of the environmental team at the VBS Akademiestraße. Numerous initiatives in line with the PILGRIM idea are carried out at the school, of which I would like to present selected projects as examples: In this context, I would particularly like to point out the AMICUS Award, which was introduced 21 years ago by Dr Piotr Kubiak, a teacher of Roman Catholic religion at the school. Since then, the most outstanding social or sustainable projects carried out by pupils as part of their lessons are being honoured every year. The AMICUS Image © William Tadros/BMK
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