People’s Universities as an Instrument of Social Integration and Adult Education: the Experience of Germany in the Context of Societal Change

Abstract

Annotation: The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the activities of People’s Universities (Volkshochschulen – VHS) in the Federal Republic of Germany, which constitute the leading institutional form of adult education and lifelong learning in the country. Considering the growing social, economic, and demographic challenges, The purpose of the study is defined as a thorough examination of the role, methods of financing, and regional characteristics of these institutions in providing lifelong education, promoting professional development, and social integration of the adult population under conditions of contemporary societal transformations. The research methods are based on the application of comparative, analytical, and structural– functional approaches, which allowed for a comprehensive assessment of key areas of activity, financial models, and the age structure of VHS participants. The empirical basis of the study comprises statistical data from the German Institute for Adult Education (DIE), as well as annual and financial reports of the VHS for 2019–2023. This extensive material allowed for the identification of dynamic trends in the development of People's Universities, with a specific focus on the impact of migration waves and the experience gained during the COVID– 19 pandemic. The results of the study confirm the multifunctional nature of VHS activities, covering a wide range of educational needs. The most popular educational programs remain courses in health, foreign languages, culture, information technology, and management. The socially integrative role is highlighted by the provision of intensive integration courses for migrants, which are crucial for their social adaptation and civic participation. Analysis of the demographic structure revealed a pronounced tendency for an increasing share of participants aged 50–75, underscoring the VHS's focus on inclusiveness, intergenerational interaction, and active aging. At the same time, the study confirmed the vulnerability of the financial model of People's Universities, particularly exposed during the COVID– 19 pandemic, which necessitated the diversification of funding sources. The stability of the VHS system is shown to be significantly dependent on the level of state funding and the effectiveness of regional educational policy. It is concluded that People’s Universities play a key role not only as an instrument for professional qualification but also as a powerful tool for social cohesion, integration, and human capital development in the context of dynamic social change. Future prospects include the expansion of online and hybrid formats, deepening partnerships with employers, and strengthening their position as centers for civic education in the European context. Keywords: financing model, people's university, adult education, social integration, educational process, professional development, regional context, self– realization.