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The Volkshochschule Hilden-Haan (VHS Hilden-Haan) is a municipal education provider dedicated to promoting lifelong learning in the cities of Hilden and Haan. As a corporation under public law, the VHS operates within the joint purpose association and is oriented towards the Weiterbildungsgesetz Nordrhein-Westfalens (Continuing Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia). It offers a diverse program with approximately 400 courses per semester, covering a broad spectrum from language and integration courses to cultural and artistic offerings, as well as vocational training and education for the second educational pathway[2][5][6].
The VHS headquarters are located in the historic "Alten Helmholtz" in Hilden, complemented by other locations in Hilden and Haan to enable local participation[2]. The offer is characterized by high flexibility, for example through the possibility of booking individual courses such as artistic workshops, webinars or compact courses to specifically serve individual interests[5].
The mission of the VHS Hilden-Haan is based on the principles of citizen proximity, openness and participation. It understands education as the key to personal and social development and promotes cultural diversity, social integration and the development of participants' skills through its courses. It attaches great importance to an inclusive, non-discriminatory learning environment that appeals to people of all ages and population groups[2][5].
Sustainability is integrated through concrete initiatives: CO2 measuring devices are installed in the VHS classrooms, which ensure good indoor air quality even in the cold season and thus contribute to the health of all. The VHS also continuously adapts its protection concepts to current health and environmental requirements, which speaks for a responsible educational environment. In addition, the VHS promotes sustainable educational content, for example in courses that teach creative work with natural materials (e.g. felting)[5][6].
The VHS Hilden-Haan is part of a nationwide network of Volkshochschulen, which promotes exchange and continuous development. Through digital offerings such as webinars, it extends its educational offerings beyond local borders and ensures modern, contemporary learning formats that remain accessible even in difficult times[5].
Overall, the VHS Hilden-Haan combines traditional educational understanding with modern approaches and a sustainable orientation to promote both individual further education and social participation - as a lively, versatile and regionally anchored institution of adult education.
