In late April 2023, a delegation of representatives from 10 Georgian municipalities participated in a study visit to Germany as part of the Adult Education Centers in Georgia project. The delegation consisted of mayors and heads of sakrebulo (local council) from Keda, Khoni, Ambrolauri, Chokhatauri, Kaspi, Tetritskaro, Marneuli, Kharagauli, Bolnisi, and Lagodekhi municipalities.
The primary objective of the visit was to gain comprehensive knowledge about the structure of Adult Education and non-formal education in the Federal State of Bavaria, as well as the role of Adult Education Centers (Volkshochschule) in Germany. During the visit, the participants learned the following:
- How local municipalities, cities, and the federal government support the institutional, political, and economic sustainability of Adult Education Centers, specifically in Bavaria.
- The benefits that local communities and the population at large derive from supporting Adult Education and lifelong learning activities in Germany.
- The ways in which adult and non-formal education through Adult Education Centers serve as tools to address immediate challenges faced by communities, local governments, and central authorities.
The delegation had the opportunity to meet with various important figures, including:
- Ms. Verena Dietl, the 3rd Mayor of Munich City.
- Dr. Hopp, MdL, and Dr. Eiling-Hütig, the chairwoman of BBV, from the Bavarian Parliament.
- Dr. Christian Hörmann of Bavarian Volkshochschule (BVV).
- Dr. Martin Ecker, the Managing Director of Munich VHS.
- Ulrike Schmid MA from VHS Regensburger Land e.V.
- Ms. Hiltrud Ettl, the head of the branch office of Munich VHS - Hasenbergl-Nordhaide.
One notable outcome of the visit was the initiation of discussions during a meeting at the parliament, which is likely to lead to the establishment of a working group in the Bavarian parliament. This working group, comprising representatives from various Volkshochschule in Bavaria, is expected to visit Georgia to develop adult education networks.
In conclusion, the visit not only provided valuable information to the Georgian participants but also offered German counterparts insights into Adult Education and lifelong learning in Georgia. Both parties outlined specific steps, which hopefully will yield beneficial results.
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