During the lockdown, Vhs Freising was only available digitally.
Now the educational institution is taking stock - and is happy about the return of face-to-face teaching.
Freising
- The changeover was not easy: For many months, courses at Vhs Freising were only allowed to take place digitally.
At the annual general meeting on Thursday, chairman Jürgen Maguhn and managing director Oliver Dorn recalled the fact that even during the lockdown period they had not “put their hands on their laps”.
More than a year of digital learning lies behind the adult education institution.
The challenges in the shutdown were mainly of a technical nature, explained Dorn.
Thanks to the willingness of his team to expand the Internet presence and offer the courses in digital formats, however, they were able to react quickly and continue to be “there” for the participants - even if online courses are not always the goal, as Maguhn pointed out.
At adult education centers, it's not just about knowledge, but also about social contacts, exchange and conviviality.
“Adult education centers are meeting places,” said chairman Jürgen Maguhn.
"People need that. We cannot live in digital space forever."
Grateful for the city's support
Support was received from several sides. In addition to corona aid from federal and state funds, one was primarily grateful for the financial support from the city of Freising. Although the participation fees have drastically "dropped", they have not slipped into the red. Advisory board chairman Peter Warlimont emphasized that the city of Freising “will continue to stand by the Vhs”. In addition to the important language and integration courses, the training to become a life balance coach in the health sector continued. For the 60+ generation, formats were offered on how to find their way around better in digital space.
Dorn reveals that Vhs Freising will be there at the “Long Night of Democracy” on October 2nd. And also at the Carl Amery Festival, which the Association of German Writers will be organizing in 2022.
Although face-to-face events are currently possible again, future prospects are difficult to predict.
“That is our biggest problem at the moment,” said Dorn.
“The constantly changing regulations.” What was a decided deal: The semester program will be available digitally every six months.
“There won't be any programs like in the past,” announced Dorn.
Registration also via QR codes
The school clerk in the Freising City Council, Monika Riesch, thanked the Vhs team.
She praised the team, which adapted flexibly and quickly to the changed framework conditions.
“It would not have been possible without a captain to steer through.” Now it is time for the “passengers” to come back on board to support the Vhs by participating.
The message that the Vhs team sent out during the lockdown was: “We are here for you.” You can even register on the Vhs website using a QR code.
In the new elections, which take place every three years, the two chairmen Jürgen Maguhn and Elisabeth Seitzl as well as managing director Oliver Dorn were unanimously confirmed by the members.
Brigitte Zepek and Irmgard Sicheneder were elected to the advisory board.
Maria Martin
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