Perhaps you’ve heard of a place where knowledge meets community in Görlitz. That place is the Volkshochschule Görlitz. It stands as a testament to the power of lifelong learning.
The Volkshochschule Görlitz first opened its doors September 28, 1918. It was one of the first 18 adult education centers in Germany. The grand Stadthalle hosted the opening. It signaled a commitment to accessible education for all.
However, in 1935, dark clouds gathered. The Volkshochschule was renamed “Volksbildungsstätte Görlitz im Deutschen Volksbildungswerk”. This name change was an external sign of its alignment with the regime. From 1935 to 1945, the Volkshochschule Görlitz ceased to exist formally.
But the spirit of learning could not be extinguished. October 26, 1945, marked a new beginning. Citizens of Görlitz came together to reopen the Volkshochschule. The gymnasium aula became a beacon of hope. Sadly, Soviet authorities shut it down again by the end of December 1945.
April 1947 saw yet another revival. The Volkshochschule Görlitz reopened as a state institution. This reopening aligned with the Soviet Military Administration’s directives.
In September 1958, a change occurred. The Volkshochschule Görlitz-Stadt and Görlitz-Land merged. They formed the Kreisvolkshochschule Görlitz for six years.
November 1991 was a landmark moment. The Volkshochschule’s office moved to Langenstraße 23. Finally, 73 years after its founding, it had its own classrooms. December 1, 1991, marked another milestone. It became one of the first adult education centers in Saxony to be municipalized.
January 1, 1992, brought further expansion. The Volkskunstzentrum Neißstraße 7 became part of the Volkshochschule. It added the fields of art and culture.
The city transferred the Volkshochschule to a nonprofit association January 1, 1997. This change ensured its continued community focus.
May 2013 was a moment of international recognition. The city councils of Görlitz and Zgorzelec awarded the Volkshochschule the European Medal. This medal recognized decades of cross-border collaboration.
September 28, 2018, was a grand celebration. The Volkshochschule Görlitz marked its 100th anniversary. It celebrated its deep roots within the city. Today, around 15 employees and nearly 200 freelance instructors deliver a wide range of courses.
The Volkshochschule Görlitz offers over 1,000 educational opportunities each year. These opportunities are open to everyone. You can learn about 20 foreign languages. German, as a foreign or native language, is also available. Even sign language is taught here. They provide intensive courses and courses for travel or career. Open discussion groups are held. Examinations for internationally recognized language certificates are available. The Volkshochschule also organizes company training. It provides customized courses.
The Volkshochschule on Langenstraße 23, is more than just a building. It is a vibrant hub of learning. It is a place where the community comes together to learn, grow, and connect. It stands as a living monument to the enduring power of education.