In a bid to enhance adult education frameworks across Southeast Asia, a delegation from the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation Regional Centre for Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL) led by Mr Khau Huu Phuoc embarked on a three-day study visit to Berlin, Germany. The visit, which took place from 11th to 13th November 2024, aimed to delve into the renowned German model of community learning centres known as Volkshochschulen (VHS), under the overall management of the Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband (DVV). This was a pivotal part of a research project focused on comparing and learning from community learning models like Germany’s vhs and Japan’s Kominkan, to identify shared features that keep them so sustainable for over 100 years and 70 years respectively and propose a generic model of adult education centres for Southeast Asian countries.
Lifelong Learning in Germany:
Germany’s commitment to lifelong learning has deep historical roots, with formal structures for adult education emerging in the late 19th century. The concept of lifelong learning was significantly influenced by the establishment of the Volkshochschulen (VHS) movement, which began in the early 20th century to provide educational opportunities for adults beyond formal schooling. Over the decades, this system has evolved, reflecting Germany’s dedication to continuous education as a means of personal development, social integration, and economic progress. The VHS, supported by the Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband (DVV) and its international arm, DVV International, has become a cornerstone of Germany’s educational landscape, offering an extensive array of courses that cater to the diverse needs of its populace, from language learning to vocational skills and beyond.
About DVV, DVV International, and VHS:
DVV (Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband): Established in 1917, DVV is the national association of adult education centres in Germany. It champions the interests of adult education, advocating for educational opportunities that are accessible, inclusive, and of high quality across the nation.
DVV International: A subsidiary of DVV, DVV International operates globally, facilitating adult education in developing countries. It supports international cooperation projects, focusing on areas like literacy, vocational training, and civic education, thereby promoting lifelong learning worldwide.
VHS (Volkshochschulen): These community adult education centres are integral to Germany’s educational landscape, with origins tracing back to the early 20th century. VHS centres are locally governed, offering a broad spectrum of courses ranging from languages, arts, and crafts to health, technology, and professional development. They serve millions of learners annually, providing both formal qualifications and informal learning opportunities. The VHS model is celebrated for its adaptability to local community needs, promoting social integration, and fostering personal and professional growth.
Day One – November 11, 2024:
DVV Service Centre: The meeting began with an introduction to DVV International, Germany’s federal institution for international adult education, providing insights into the history of VHS, established in the 19th century under the Volkshochschulen movement to educate adults. These centres offer an extensive curriculum including languages, arts, IT, health, and vocational training, notably German as a Second Language (DaF/DaZ) for immigrants. The Berlin VHS network annually serves thousands, varying by location and courses.
VHS Spandau:
Established in 1947, this centre is one of Berlin’s oldest, showcasing decades of educational dedication. It offers courses in languages, cultural studies, music, dance, and professional development, with special programs for seniors and the unemployed. VHS Spandau is recognised for its educational quality, providing certifications like language proficiency ones, and annually sees around 10,000 participants, reflecting its community impact.
Day Two – November 12, 2024: VHS Lichtenberg: Founded in 1949, this centre is renowned for its community engagement and multilingual offerings. It uniquely provides Vietnamese language courses, reflecting the local Vietnamese demographic, alongside German, English, IT, and health education. VHS Lichtenberg offers various certifications in languages, IT, and vocational skills, crucial for employment and further education. Annually, it educates over 8,000 students, emphasising integration programmes for migrants.
Day Three – November 13, 2024
On day three of the trip, the delegation returned to DVV Service Centre for another meeting with the programme and IT Departments. The Centre, located in the Spandau Spiegelturm, serves to promote inter-vhs programmes and programmes that have high priority by all the vhs in Berlin. It publicises the activities of all the 12 Berlin vhs on a platform, and takes over central services such as audits, technical support, project support and public relations work in the Berlin city society. It also represents the network supra-regionally in the German Adult Education Association and it bundles the interests of all Berlin vhs and represents them at the state level.
The Centre’s online platform enables users to search for courses that match their interests and find conveniently located venues. Beyond information about courses, the platform also provides other cultural, historical, education information such as locations of museums and their events, and how to get to a chosen location.
Currently, the Service Centre is undertaking a comprehensive redesign of its website to enhance user experience. The new platform will feature improved navigation, faster loading times, and a more intuitive interface to better serve adult learners and cultural enthusiasts across Berlin.
Throughout the visit, SEAMEO CELLL delegation gathered significant insights into the operations and impact of the VHS system. Statistics reveal that VHS centres in Germany attract over 8.5 million participants annually, showcasing their pivotal role in adult education. These centres offer more than 500,000 courses each year, addressing a broad spectrum of educational needs from cultural enrichment to professional development.
Regarding the Vietnamese community in Germany, it is one of the largest and most vibrant Asian communities in the country, with an estimated population of over 150,000. Many Vietnamese immigrants have settled in Berlin, particularly around areas like the Đồng Xuân Centre, which serves as a cultural and commercial hub. The presence of Vietnamese language courses at centres like VHS Lichtenberg underscores the commitment to integration and cultural preservation, catering to the community’s educational needs.
In conclusion, the study visit illuminated the effectiveness of the VHS model in fostering lifelong learning, community engagement, and cultural integration. The delegation returned with a wealth of knowledge that will not only enrich the forthcoming SEAMEO conference but also inspire potential adaptations of these models in Southeast Asia, aiming to enhance adult education practices and community development in the region.
