Fight for the future of adult education: financing remains unclear!

Fight for the future of adult education: financing remains unclear!

Bad Hersfeld, Deutschland - Education policy in Hesse stands in front of a fork in the road that affects not only the adult education centers, but also the entire further training system. In the past few weeks, intensive discussions have taken place between the Volkshochschule Hersfeld-Rotenburg (VHS) and the member of the state parliament Stefanie Klee (CDU), Tanja Hartdegen (SPD) and Kaya Kinkel (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen). These dialogues developed in the adult education center in Bad Hersfeld and pursued the goal of discussing the need for adequate financing and reliable security as part of the amendment to the Hessian further education law. HNA reports that the first district advisory point of view is the importance of a solid financial basis for adult education in Hessen confirmed.

Special attention was paid to Fabian Göbel's criticism, the head of the VHS, who described the current draft law as inadequate. "There is no noticeable increase in the hourly rates or sufficient dynamics to adjust the cost," he said. In addition, he pointed out the long -term consequences of savings in education, since these could quickly lead to higher costs in order to secure social participation and the qualification of specialists. Both Noll and Göbel made an appeal to the members of the state parliament to rework the draft law in order to meet the requirements of the future.

The role of further training in Hesse

like Kultus Hessen, the amendment to the Hessian further education law is regarded as a step to strengthen further training and adult education. Education Minister Schwarz underlines the relevance of these measures in times of populism and a changing value of value. "Further training must provide answers to social, economic and technical changes," continues Schwarz.

collaboration and future steps

On February 27, 2025, a parliamentary breakfast took place in Wiesbaden, which struck the bridge between state politics and the educational officer. Organized by the Hessian Volkshochschulverband and Free Consuming for Adult Education, numerous MPs and representatives of carrier organizations took part in this exchange. The central topic was the upcoming amendment to come into force on January 1, 2026. VHS in Hesse reports that there is a clear agreement on the need for solutions for the adequate equipment of adult education. A proposal that stimulates the debate is to provide five million euros in additional financing for Hessen every year.

Overall, it can be seen that the discussion about the amendment to the Hessian further education law must be continued. It is obvious that adequate financial support for adult education is of great importance not only for teachers, but for the entire society. Here it is important to pull together to actively shape and make the educational landscape in Hesse.