The idea of founding an adult education center came from the population. At first only the municipalities of Planegg, Gräfelfing and Krailling took part, Gauting and Neuried followed later. The VHS Würmtal is now one of the largest adult education institutions in all of Upper Bavaria. Whereas in the past it was only possible to offer around 50 events a year, today there are around 800 with more than 12,000 course participants. In 2011, the VHS moved into today’s modern premises on the market square in Planegg. Currently – until the end of March – the VHS Würmtal is managed by two managing directors: Veronika Wagner and Karola Albrecht. In the SZ interview, Albrecht commented on a decades-long model of success that she wants to lead into the future.
SZ: The VHS Würmtal was 50 years old – a model for success?
Karola Albrecht: Yes, definitely. We are very popular, which is also shown by the number of 12,000 course participants. Even the first course – Typing with touch typing is still available. We are well networked with all kinds of institutions in the Würmtal and are in constant contact with the communities. Desired courses are often the result of discussions with citizens.
Does a rather conservative educational institution like the VHS still have a chance in our increasingly digitized and media world? Isn’t the competition just too big?
We’re holding up very well. The pandemic even gave us a real boost. The offer of online courses was very well received, we have many participants who “dared” online in the familiar VHS environment and thus continued their education. In the meantime there is even an online VHS throughout Bavaria.
Who are your main competitors?
We don’t really want to call anyone a competitor – we prefer to seek cooperation. But of course: the wide range of offers on the Internet is competition. However, our advantages are the local proximity and the competence of our course instructors. Learning in a group cannot be replaced by lonely online work. And: You also learn from your “fellow learners”, you motivate each other, the group often helps to overcome your weaker self.
In the past, many more women than men took the courses. Has anything changed there?
We are on the way to getting more men into the courses, but the proportion of women is still significantly higher. There are also many young people who find their way to us and they are usually enthusiastic. In any case, the following applies: We have to make our profile more visible as a local education provider. When people then find their way to us, 90 percent of them are convinced. And we are constantly working on our marketing.
Is the potential audience in the Würmtal structured differently than in big cities, for example?
We have a good mix of participants from all walks of life. But we can’t compare ourselves to the VHS in Munich. However, we have common goals: such as accessibility, easy-to-understand language and also the intention to address participants who are not so well “literate”.
How about the finances? Don’t you get solid support from the communities? Could you use more money?
More money would mean that we could make more free offers – especially in the area of political education, democracy building or sustainable development. Two examples: the “Long Night for Democracy” on October 2nd and 3rd or the “Democracy Driver’s License” for young adults.
What is still missing in the range of offers?
Offers are created by social issues, trends are picked up. Of course, we take suggestions from outside. And, what is very important: we always find good lecturers for our topics.
Are there taboos? Topics you don’t dare to tackle?
Well, of course we are reluctant to talk about some medical issues, including sexuality and politics. We want and must remain neutral and cannot favor one direction or the other.
So, would you rather leave a tantra course to other institutions?
Yeah, that doesn’t exactly suit us now.