Corona also forces the adult education centers to take a break. Corinna Steinecke is at Vhs in Moosburg e. V. is responsible for the Vhs in Zolling as head as well as for the department of alternative practitioner schools and public relations. The Tagblatt interviewed her.
Ms. Steinecke, what does Corona mean for the Vhs?
First of all, it means for us that the adult education centers - like all other schools - will probably have to close by April 19, 2020 and will therefore cease to operate. In order to be able to conclude what was desired and ordered by the government, an order by the district office or health office of a district or a large city was required for the adult education centers. This applies to both Vhs Moosburg and Vhs Zolling, as we are a registered association. Municipal adult education centers can be closed directly by the municipality.
Did everything go smoothly for you?
Unfortunately, no. In Freising, the district administrator persistently refused to issue an instruction. The health department could not be spoken at all, not even about the emergency numbers. There was no response to mails. When asked at other adult education centers in Bavaria, the picture was similar. We were literally hanging in the air. After days of confusion, the Bavarian Prime Minister also gave the adult education centers clear instructions that they must remain closed until April 19. In the meantime we have also suspended party traffic in Moosburg and Zolling, but can be reached by phone and email for all questions in the home office.
What does that mean, the district administrator refused to give the order?
We couldn't reach him by phone. The board of the Vhs tried to contact Josef Hauner, but to no avail. Instead, we received a message from the press office that we should contact the Bavarian Adult Education Association, which has nothing to do with it. In the meantime, Moosburg Mayor Anita Meinelt had given instructions that the House of Education should be closed. Nevertheless, it would have taken a decision by the district office for us. Or from a higher position. It came from Markus Söder on March 16.
Do you have to refund the fees for courses that do not take place immediately or will they be retained if the course takes place at a later date?
Of course, we try to postpone as many courses as possible to a later point in time or to postpone the canceled dates at the end of the courses. Since the corona virus is a case of "force majeure", we are obliged to fully reimburse the course fee if canceled. This will happen gradually. As in politics, we can only decide step by step.
Are there any considerations to offer individual courses online? Or would the effort be too high?
Of course, we want to offer courses online in the future and are already working on the implementation. Some of our courses are currently being continued on various online platforms. Under the keyword "vhs.daheim" lectures, readings, concerts or courses are already offered by various Bavarian adult education centers in the mornings and evenings and are available free of charge to all participants. On our homepage at www.vhs-moosburg.de we provide information about these events.
What effects does it have on lecturers? Are they freelancers or are they still paid?
Of course, each lecturer is personally burdened by the current situation in different ways. For most, the financial impact of the corona crisis is the biggest problem. Our course leaders are mostly freelancers. If the course cannot be held due to an official order, the course director is not entitled to the fee. However, there are various ways for our course instructors to claim help or compensation. We have, of course, informed you of this.
Do you fear for the future of the Vhs?
No, adult education is playing an increasingly important role in education policy and landscape. Education means lifelong learning and thus adult education. We are currently planning for the coming autumn / winter semester, i.e. for the time with or to Corona.
