Farewell to Franc Kukovica: Voice of the Carinthian Slovenes silently!

Farewell to Franc Kukovica: Voice of the Carinthian Slovenes silently!

Franc Kukovica, an important educator and passionate advocate of the rights of the Carinthian Slovenes, died on July 15, 2025 at the age of 91. He lived in Sittersdorf/Žitara VAS and was not only known as a director of a elementary school, but also as the founder of the Carinthian Pedagogical Association in 1984. This organization laid the foundation for the development of the bilingual education system in Carinthia and was committed to access to high -quality teaching materials and lively Slovenian lessons for children in minority school. Over 100 textbooks, educational games and digital tools were developed under his initiative, which significantly contributed to the promotion of the Slovenian language and identity.

The first digital learning software about Carinthia in Slovenian was launched in 2002, inspired by Kukovica and implemented by Danilo Katz. This innovation was a significant step in modern educational work for the Slovenian minority. Kukovica was a contemporary witness of the Nazi persecution and experienced the expulsion of his family during this dark time. He shared his experiences as part of the National Fund of the Republic of Austria and thus became an important voice in the Austrian culture of remembrance.

a life's work for education and identity

As Vice -Country of the Central Association of Slovenian organizations, Kukovica was also politically committed to the concerns of the Slovenian ethnic group. His voice and actions made him a respected representative of minority rights. Danilo Katz, who praised Kukovica as a "teacher of life", underlined his importance for education, courage and humanity.

his legacy continues. The Pedagogical Association of Carinthia posthumously awarded him the title of honorary president in 2024, which recognizes his outstanding achievements in education and in commitment to Slovenian identity. The emotional grief for Kukovica's death is strongly accompanied by thanks for the lifelong commitment to the children and their rights, which he can proudly live the Slovenian language and culture.

The funeral of Franc Kukovica will take place on July 26th in Sittersdorf. His life's work is not only valued by his relatives, but also by the entire Slovenian community and the many children who benefited from his initiatives.

Further information about Franc Kukovica and his legacy can be found at Klick Carärnten , Kleine Zeitung and 5min.at .