From 25 to 31 January 2026, a Ukrainian delegation conducted a study visit to Germany and Switzerland to learn about adult education systems, governance structures, and funding mechanisms, and to strengthen professional exchange with key European partners. The visit was organised by DVV International in partnership with the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning with financial support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The programme of the visit was focused on the role of adult education in democratic development, social cohesion, and post-crisis recovery. It started in Berlin with meetings at the German Adult Education Association (DVV), the umbrella organisation representing around 900 Volkshochschulen (adult learning centres) across Germany. During discussions with Julia von Westerholt, Director of DVV, and Esther Hirsch, Director of DVV International, participants exchanged views on the organisation of adult education, international cooperation, and the contribution of lifelong learning to resilience and participation in society.
Further meetings in Berlin addressed the political and institutional framework of adult education in Germany. At the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag), the delegation held a meeting with Saskia Esken, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. The discussion was focused on public responsibility for adult education, legislative frameworks, and sustainable funding models. So far, the visit brought together representatives of the Ukrainian government and parliament, as well as representatives of non-governmental organizations, to jointly explore approaches to adult education. According to Mykola Trofymenko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, this format enables working simultaneously on policy, legislation, and practical solutions needed for the country’s recovery.
On 27 January, the delegation visited Volkshochschule Berlin Mitte, where representatives of the Berlin Senate and the management of the adult education centre presented municipal approaches to lifelong learning, basic education, and extracurricular education. A presentation by Levan Kvatchadze, Regional Director for Eastern Neighbours at DVV International, provided an overview of the adult education system in Germany and its relevance for international cooperation. The delegation then continued to Munich.
In Munich, the programme centred on Volkshochschule München, the largest adult education centre in Germany. Exchanges with representatives of the Munich city administration, the leadership of VHS Munich, and the Bavarian State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs offered insights into regional governance, funding mechanisms and strategies to promote participation in adult learning. Meetings with representatives of the Bavarian Adult Education Association (bvv) and members of the Bavarian State Parliament highlighted the role of umbrella organisations in coordinating quality standards and advocating for adult education at the political level.
Within the Swiss part of the visit the delegation met representatives of the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning (SVEB), who presented Switzerland’s continuing education system. The exchange allowed space for discussion of the Ukrainian perspective and ongoing reform processes. The delegation also visited EB Zürich, a leading provider of adult learning with a strong focus on digital education and practice-oriented training.
On January 30, the delegation worked in Bern, where meetings were held with representatives of federal institutions. In particular, the participants met with representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The delegation was accompanied by staff of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Swiss Confederation, including First Secretary for Economic Affairs Volodymyr Didukh. The exchange focused on Switzerland’s engagement in Ukraine and the role of adult and continuing education in humanitarian response, recovery, and long-term development.
Further meetings took place with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), addressing labour market integration measures for people from Ukraine under Protection Status S and their relevance for future reintegration into Ukraine. At the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), bilateral cooperation in continuing education was discussed, with a focus on structures, funding, access, and practical implementation. The programme concluded with a visit to the Swiss Parliament and an exchange with Balthasar Glättli, Member of Parliament.
The study visit provided a comprehensive overview of adult education systems in Germany and Switzerland and created space for professional dialogue on policy, practice, and international cooperation. For DVV International in Ukraine, the exchange contributes to ongoing efforts to support the development of inclusive, high-quality adult education and lifelong learning in Ukraine, particularly in the context of recovery and European integration.