Erasmus+ Mobility to Berlin: Living Democracy & Sustainability

Back to the Roots: The Grundtvig Spirit of the Folk High Schools

A special focus of the trip was the engagement with the educational concept of the Folk High Schools (Heimvolkshochschulen, HVHS), based on the ideas of Danish theologian N. F. S. Grundtvig. Right from the beginning, it became clear how closely democracy, education, and regional development can be interwoven: Peter Buhrmann, Managing Director of the VBLR, presented the history and impact of the HVHS and the VBLR. Grundtvig’s educational philosophy of “living and learning under one roof” continues to have an influence today and forms a shared foundation for the members of ARGE BHÖ and VBLR. The presentation helped participants reconnect with the spirit of the origins and recognize the importance of contributing through the work of the Folk High Schools to the preservation of democratic achievements in European history. As a result, ARGE BHÖ has decided to strengthen its strategic direction around these core values. To further push this impulse, books on the life and work of Grundtvig — to which Peter Buhrmann also contributed — were ordered. Each member centre of ARGE BHÖ will receive a copy.

EXCHANGE WITH THE GERMAN FARMERS' ASSOCIATION

Another valuable input came from Andrea Winterberg, Advisor for Educational Work, Education Policy and Youth Recruitment at the German Farmers’ Association, as well as for vocational education at the Association of German Chambers of Agriculture. In her talk, she outlined current challenges in agricultural policy in the context of food systems, climate change, animal welfare, and the shifting public image of agriculture. Particularly striking was her appeal to recognize the safeguarding of agriculture as a societal and political responsibility.

Seddiner See Folk High School: Making Democracy Visible

A further highlight was the visit of the Folk High School Seddiner See, a member of the VBLR network. Located in rural Brandenburg, the school focuses on political, social, and vocational education for adults. In conversations with Franziska Ullrich, Deputy Director, the group not only learned about the institution’s programs and approaches but also about the concrete challenges it faces — such as political polarization in the surrounding area and the effort to reach socially disadvantaged groups. The school’s combination of local identity and European perspective proved particularly inspiring for many participants.

Innovations for Rural Areas: DISCUSSION WITH the Andreas Hermes Academy

Another highlight was the visit of the Andreas Hermes Academy (AHA), a leading institution for educational and transformation processes in rural areas and also a member of the VBLR. The presentation by Mareike Meyn, Franziska Holze, and Louis Schlag demonstrated that rural regions are vibrant, diverse – and full of innovative potential. Projects like “Left Behind? Caught Up!” ("Abgehängt? Eingeholt!") aim to strengthen democratic attitudes among young people in rural areas and contribute to the prevention of extremism.

AHA strategically links key issues such as demographics, digitalisation, mobility, and public services with education. Particularly impressive was the “LandAussichten” podcast, which brings socio-political debates from and for rural communities into the spotlight – a low-threshold approach to education and participation. The Academy also clearly illustrated how closely sustainability and democracy are intertwined: anyone aiming to create a sustainable future for rural regions must combine ecological responsibility with active civic engagement.

Participants left the AHA visit with a deeper understanding of how education can be used as a strategic tool to empower rural communities, foster democratic participation, and activate young people. Especially inspiring was the Academy’s strategic approach to combining social innovation, leadership, and future-oriented thinking within a positive narrative.

Experiencing Democracy First-Hand

Democracy was not only a topic of discussion, but also a lived experience throughout the trip. A guided tour of the German Bundestag offered powerful insights into the historical ruptures and achievements of democratic development in Germany. Equally inspiring was the visit to the East Side Gallery, where artistic engagement with freedom, dictatorship, and visions for the future is made publicly visible. The visit to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe provided a deeply moving conclusion to the program.

What Remains?

The Erasmus+ mobility provided valuable insights into new concepts. It sharpened the view for European common ground, for innovative educational formats, and for the responsibility that educational work carries within a socio-political context — and for the fact that sustainability is a cross-cutting issue. For the participants, it was an inspiring experience that brought knowledge, attitude, and fresh ideas back to the Austrian Folk High Schools ("Bildungshäuser").

ARGE BHÖ extends heartfelt thanks to the VBLR and all involved partners for the excellent collaboration — and looks forward to the next joint steps toward a democratic and sustainable Europe.
 

Further links

Website VBLR
Website Andreas Hermes Akademie
Website HVHS Seddiner See

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Disclaimer:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or OeAD-GmbH. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.