The fate of many small languages has shown that it is not possible to rely on transmission from one generation to the next to preserve local languages. The Võro language is no exception.  While older generations of the Võro people use the Võro language in everyday communication, middle-aged speakers use Võro and Estonian in different situations: the Võro language is usually spoken in private and familiar situations while Estonian is spoken (usually with unfamiliar people) in official surroundings.  Many families were careful to speak standard Estonian with children because of its higher prestige.  As a result, most younger people have only passive local language skills.

The Võru language will not survive long without school support, so one of the Institute's main objectives is to develop and promote the teaching of the Võro language and culture in the schools within the historic borders of Võrumaa. The Institute compiles and publishes textbook and teaching materials, organizes teacher training seminars, and holds extracurricular language competitions for students. Since 2000, "The Southern Estonian Language and Culture" State Program has supported these efforts.

Although the school is undoubtedly a key institution for language survival, paradoxically, some of the strongest opposition to teaching Võru comes from school directors. Here one has to consider the language's prestige once again.  Many school directors and teachers place a higher value on foreign languages like English and on computer skills that are perceived to be more valuable in a globalizing world.