The German Adult Education Association, Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e. V. (DVV), is the umbrella association of the 16 vhs regional associations. Founded in 1953, it represents the interests of the approximately 850 adult education centres vis-à-vis decision-makers at the federal level as well as in European and international contexts and is committed to fair and forward-looking continuing education.

As a professional association, the DVV promotes educational work in adult education centres. Together with the vhs regional associations, it ensures the continuous professional development of the adult education centres in Germany and interaction amongst professionals, e.g. at symposia, federal conferences and working groups. It develops principles and guidelines with the aim of ensuring the quality of continuing education at adult education centres and adapting it to the changing needs of society.

The DVV maintains a Federal Office and an Institute for International Cooperation (DVV International) to carry out the tasks of the Association.

The tasks of the Federal Office as a service provider for the Association include information, advice and fundraising – in addition to representing the education and association policies. The staff members prepare statements and expert opinions and organise specialist conferences, publications and campaigns on general questions of adult education, on special topics or on legislative procedures.

The DVV acquires and coordinates national and international projects – in particular for literacy and basic education, for the qualification and integration of immigrants as well as for political and cultural youth education. Within the framework of these projects, the DVV develops and tests new formats, materials and instruments for educational work.

In addition, the Federal Office supports the adult education centres in marketing their continuing education programmes through a joint umbrella brand and a joint Internet portal. The DVV also cooperates with the municipal umbrella associations for professional issues relating to continuing education and in public relations work on the goals, tasks and achievements of adult education centres in Germany.

As a leading professional organisation in the field of adult education and development cooperation, DVV International has been committed to lifelong learning since 1969. DVV International provides worldwide support for the establishment and development of sustainable structures for Youth and Adult Education.

The Institute sees itself as a professional partner in dialogue with the local people. DVV International cooperates with more than 200 civil society, government and academic partners in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. The country and regional offices build local and regional cooperation and ensure the quality and effectiveness of activities in the partner countries. The work focuses on literacy and basic education, vocational training, global and intercultural learning, environmental education and sustainable development, migration and integration, refugee work, health education, conflict prevention and education about democracy.

Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband e.V. (German Adult Education Association)
Königswinterer Straße 552 b
D-53227 Bonn 
Tel.: +49 (0)228 97569-0
Fax: +49 (0)228 97569-30
Email: info(at)dvv-vhs.de