Germany

The initiative of transforming Gelsenkirchen from an industrial hub into a learning city was implemented as an attempt to revive a city suffering from high unemployment rates that had reached 15 per cent by 2016. In 1998, after careful consideration of the current situation, aGEnda 21 was initiated to increase the city’s sustainability and incorporate new learning strategies that would improve the quality of life. Since 2008, efficient measures have been implemented to promote lifelong learning based on education for sustainable development (ESD). In 2016, more than 120 businesses, institutions and organizations signed a Joint Declaration on Learning as a confirmation of commitment to the development of the city and the community.

Volkshochschulen (VHS) are adult learning centres founded on principles of liberal education and offering a range of programmes, including languages, general education and cultural learning. In addition, they increasingly provide vocational courses (EAEA, 2011). Since VHS are local institutions overseen by municipalities, they serve as community meeting points for neighbours to interact and build relationships and trust. The approximately 900 adult education centres in Germany offer around 700,000 events a year – courses and lectures, study trips and excursions. With around nine million participants, adult education centres are the largest provider of general adult education in Germany (DVV, 2011).

The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities is an international policy-oriented network providing inspiration, know-how and best practice. Learning cities benefit from global collaboration in searching for effective solutions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In 2012, Germany passed a federal law to streamline recognition of professional qualifications. Foreign nationals can gain recognition regardless of residence status or citizenship. They can make a legal claim for recognition and receive a decision within three months. Professional qualifications obtained abroad are checked for compatibility with German professional requirements.

Family Literacy (FLY) is a project designed to support active parenting in the context of language education. The project promotes literacy skills among parents to better support children’s language learning at home. The inclusive approach provides a bridge between family and education that supports the development of the child. The special focus of the project is families of migrant and socially disadvantaged backgrounds (State Institute for Teacher Training and School Development, n.d).