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Dr. Christine Bertram, Head of the Adult Education Team at the National Agency at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (NA at BIBB), conducted this interview with Liliane Mreyen, Managing Director of the VHS-Bildungsinstitut VoG in East Belgium.

Please introduce yourself and your organization. What services do you offer, which target groups do you aim to reach, what type of educational institution are you (public, private, association, etc.), how long have you been active, and what is your role?

The Volkshochschule-Bildungsinstitut VoG (VHS) of the German-speaking Community of Belgium is a recognized adult education organization in East Belgium. Founded in 1966 and rooted in the Christian labor movement, the VHS offers a wide range of courses and continuing education opportunities for people of all ages.

The VHS Eupen is more than just an educational institution; it is a place for learning, personal development, and social interaction. Since its inception, the VHS has aimed to empower those with fewer opportunities through education, equipping them with the necessary tools for personal growth, self-confidence, and lifelong development.

As a center for lifelong learning, the VHS Eupen is committed to making education accessible to all, promoting the democratization of education.

How has the general interest in adult education offerings in East Belgium changed in recent years based on your experience?

Interest in adult education in East Belgium remains high due to the sector's diversity and strong public awareness. A significant shift occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the entire sector to rapidly reinvent itself to continue reaching people. During this challenging time, online offerings and adapted formats played a crucial role. While the initial surge in digital learning has since declined, it has opened new opportunities for modernization within adult education.

Naturally, we must adapt to changing needs. Traditional teaching formats have evolved, and long-term training models have been shortened. Today’s learners prefer quick, concise content—aligning with current societal trends. There is also a strong focus on professional training and personal development, as people strive to stay competitive and up-to-date in an ever-changing job market.

Overall, there is a growing awareness of personal development and the importance of lifelong learning.

^{Liliane Mreyen vom VHS Bildungsinstitut VoG}

What do you attribute these changes to? What are the causes? How does the abundance of other leisure activities influence these developments?

Adult education should not necessarily be seen as a competitor to other leisure activities, although leisure time, especially for young people, plays a significant role. A wide range of digital entertainment options, social media, and recreational activities can pose a challenge for the adult education sector. However, education and leisure are not mutually exclusive. Many leisure activities inherently involve lifelong learning aspects—such as volunteering, youth group participation, sports, and social engagement. These foster a sense of community and collective growth, which aligns with the principles of lifelong learning. Instead of competing, we should recognize these intersections.

Today, those who choose further education often seek quick and effective results. We frequently observe that learners have high expectations and little patience for slow development processes. This shift makes it challenging for adult education providers to engage learners for the long term—education is increasingly becoming a form of fast consumption. However, we cannot resist this trend; instead, we must respond with attractive, relevant offerings. This is the challenge we face.

As a result of these changes, how has your organization adapted its offerings to remain attractive and reach learners? Have you introduced new formats, expanded digital offerings, or significantly changed your thematic focus?

We initially developed digital offerings but have since removed them from our program. We found that people prefer in-person learning, valuing the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas. Direct engagement enhances the learning experience significantly.

We have also phased out long-term course formats, as learners now prefer short and focused sessions. Additionally, we strive to stay highly current to continuously attract new participants. While we previously had a loyal base of returning learners, today’s learners explore various options and experiment with different offerings. Regardless of the chosen format, learners prioritize their comfort and seek a balance that does not overburden them. We take this into account by incorporating work-life balance elements, such as flexible schedules and adaptable starting points. As providers, we aim to accommodate these needs while staying true to our educational philosophy.

How have you adjusted your public relations strategies to stand out in the crowded education market? Have you adopted new platforms?

In recent years, we have significantly expanded our presence on digital media, addressing areas we had previously neglected. Our website is being redesigned to reflect a more contemporary image. Additionally, we are introducing online registration systems to enhance our accessibility and appeal in a rapidly evolving sector.

We have also developed a digital platform to support volunteerism and civic engagement, strengthening community involvement. A new platform for political education is in development, intended to serve as a hub for democracy in East Belgium. Social media remains a key tool for reaching learners, though we continue to use traditional marketing channels as well.

How do you see the future of adult education in East Belgium? Are there trends or developments that education providers can leverage to stay relevant and appealing?

We are optimistic about the future of adult education in East Belgium, given its diversity and wide-ranging offerings. The sector caters to a broad audience and is highly flexible, allowing providers to tailor courses to learners’ evolving needs. A clear trend is emerging towards personalized and flexible learning formats, while still maintaining the core principle of lifelong learning. Partnerships and collaborations are increasingly sought to enhance offerings and pool resources—a highly beneficial approach.

Ultimately, the focus in East Belgium remains on people and their personal development, ensuring that education continues to serve as a tool for empowerment and growth.

Stand: 29.01.2025