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Germany’s Volkshochschulen Roll Out Spring Courses Focused on Social Connection and Digital Basics

Rising enrolments signal demand for anti-loneliness offerings, small-group tech training.

Overview

  • VHS Landkreis Leipzig reports about 2,500 sign-ups for the first half of 2026, roughly 700 more than a year earlier.
  • Dresden’s program lists more than 2,000 courses under the semester theme “einsam–gemeinsam,” with offerings like Bridge and a free weekly “Verwenden statt verschwenden” cooking course.
  • The Dresden center plans a February discussion on loneliness with Saxony’s Social Minister Petra Köpping.
  • Many locations prioritize small-group training that helps older adults use smartphones, tablets, electronic patient records and video consultations.
  • Demand is straining capacity, with waitlists for popular classes in places such as Welver, and Dresden set to expand access with a new Otto‑Dix‑Center site opening March 13.