Write a future: Basic training center Potsdam celebrates 10 years of success

Write a future: Basic training center Potsdam celebrates 10 years of success

Potsdam, Deutschland - On July 11, 2025, the basic education center (GBZ) of the Potsdam Volkshochschule celebrates its tenth anniversary. Under the motto "We write the future!" this event is recognized with a ceremony that takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. in the science floor of the education forum on Channel 47. Torsten Wiegel, deputy for youth, education, culture and sport, emphasizes the GBZ as the most important address for literacy and basic education in Potsdam and emphasizes the valuable contribution that it makes to social participation. The event will also attract numerous top -class guests, including Dr. Jouleen Gruhn, the Vice President of the Brandenburg state parliament.

The GBZ has set itself the task of giving adults access to education that aims at basic skills such as reading, writing and calculating. For this purpose, open learning cafes are offered in which the participants can not only improve their reading and writing skills, but also learn digital skills. In addition, there is the possibility to use consultations and training in an easy and simple language. According to the Leo study, around 6.2 million adults in Germany are affected by reading and writing difficulties, which makes the need for such offers clear. In Potsdam, this affects up to 14,500 adults, a challenge that needs to be mastered together. The GBZ, founded as part of the national decade for literacy and basic education, is supported by the European Union and the state of Brandenburg, as well as by an urban share.

a success model for the city

The high demand shows how important the work of the GBZ is: Last year, the learning cafés were visited around 1,400 times, which is a new high. Successful participants report on school -leaving qualifications and new training positions, which underlines the positive effects of the basic training opportunities. Franziska Tempel, the head of the GBZ, sums it up: Low -threshold access to education is crucial for social participation. Voluntary learning companions support the important work in seven learning cafes in four districts, which strengthens the sense of community and integration into society.

From the time of its foundation, the GBZ has taken a remarkable way. The national decade for literacy and basic education, which runs from 2016 to 2026 and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education at around 180 million euros, is an important framework for the further development of the literacy offers in Germany. Adult education centers, which have a long tradition in literacy and basic education work, are crucial to support people with low skills. In addition, there are programs that enable adults of all ages to improve their basic skills and catch up on school qualifications.

diverse educational offers

The GBZ offer not only includes literacy, but also elementary arithmetic and digital media literacy. Working directly in the environment of the education system and cooperation with agencies for work are also part of the strategy to convey people to qualified employment. Another aspect are the new online learning offers provided by the VHS learning portal. These digital resources reach adults who may not personally participate in the learning cafes due to local conditions or lack of time.

However, the challenges remain. According to the Leo study, 12 percent of German-speaking adults are affected by reading and writing difficulties, with a large part over 45 years old. Projects that target jobs, as well as needs -based learning paths, should continue to offer further opportunities in the future to improve basic education in Germany. The success of the basic education work will undoubtedly open a new way to social participation for many.