New VHS programme with 480 events

The new programme booklet of the Bocholt-Rhede-Isselburg Adult Education Centre for the second half of 2025 will be published online on 21 August, attached to the Bocholter-Borkener-Volksblatt as a printed booklet and available at the Bocholt VHS office in the LernWerk and at the branches in Rhede and Isselburg.

With more than 480 events in Bocholt, Rhede and Isselburg, both online and at external venues, the VHS offers a diverse and wide-ranging continuing education programme. "We are delighted that we are able to reach and inspire so many people with our programme", says Isabel Testroet, Director of the VHS. In 2024, the programme reached almost 18,000 interested people with over 900 events.

"The demand shows that our plans are appealing and that people are interested in further education, social interaction and new things", says Testroet enthusiastically. This year's programme is once again varied: in the various areas, there are opportunities for individual or group learning, discovery, further education or simply relaxation.

Registrations can be made from 28 August, around 8 a.m. at vhs-bocholt.de. Registrations will also be accepted at the VHS office (LernWerk, Industriestr. 1, 46395 Bocholt) and the branch offices in Rhede (town hall, Rathausplatz 9, 46414 Rhede) and Isselburg (town hall, Hüttenstr. 33-35, 46419 Isselburg) at the same time.

Insight into the programme for the 2025/2 academic semester

The VHS invites you to the start of the semester on 19 September in the auditorium of the Städtische Gesamtschule Bocholt: Guitarist, singer and songwriter Richie Arndt will present a unique live programme entitled "Tennessee & Alabama - A Journey to the Deep South of the USA".

In November, renowned 3D photographer Stephan Schulz will present his live reportage 'Abgetaucht' (Dived off) and take the audience to the world's most exciting diving destinations. Stunning 3D images offer an extraordinary experience and a live on-stage experience that is unique in the German-speaking world. Advance ticket sales for this cooperative event organised by the VHS, BBV Media Group and Stadtsparkasse Bocholt start on 28 August.

Society and life

The Society - Life section invites you not only to discuss social issues, but also to experience them first-hand. The barrier-free city tour "Bocholt with all senses" offers a special opportunity to do this, where the history of the city can be experienced in an inclusive way: with haptic impressions, sounds, smells and a sensory perspective on the public space. Experience also takes centre stage in the area of basic education - for example at the event "Meet, Read and Eat - Krach im Sonnental", a reading with a culinary setting that combines literature, comprehensibility and eating together.

As part of the intercultural weeks, the adult education centre sends out a strong signal in favour of diversity, encounters and mutual understanding. The highlight is the big closing party in the Alte Molkerei, where people, languages and cultures come together - with music, dance, discussions and international specialities. Another innovative format is "Fixing the Boat" - an interactive escape room project on the topic of anti-Semitism that uses creative methods to sensitise young people and adults to Jewish life.

In the opening and closing events, the dimensions of anti-Semitism are illuminated from a historical, social and personal perspective with high-calibre guests, thus encouraging reflection, understanding and action. On 1 October, the improvisation theatre "Placebotheater Münster" will make a guest appearance at LernWerk and is looking forward to an active audience; in this play, the action takes place democratically with the participation of the guests.

From 24 October to 14 November 2025, the series "Between Departure and Farewell" deals with questions about life, dying, mourning and reorientation in an interdisciplinary way. The 12 events range from classic lectures and a "special film" to workshops, an interdisciplinary panel discussion and a literary evening with music. Experts from the fields of medicine, theology, psychology, law, sociology and cultural studies invite you to explore the topic from different perspectives.

Family, education, work and the digital world

In addition to special training courses for childminders on topics such as child protection, conflict management and stress prevention, the Family - Education department also offers information evenings on "qualification as a childminder" and as a "open all-day school" specialist.

The Career - Digital World section offers a wide range of topics that take place at LernWerk. Of particular interest are the many online offers with educational holidays and special topics with a focus on professional development. All vhs DigitalKooperation events are guaranteed to take place, with the exception of educational holidays.

Foreign languages, culture and creativity

Whether for your job, your next trip or simply for the joy of learning: foreign languages are very popular at the adult education centre. From English and French to Spanish, the new semester offers courses for different language levels. Rarer languages such as Croatian and Greek can also be found in the programme. In addition to traditional evening courses, the VHS also offers innovative formats such as intensive weeks, weekend programmes, taster courses and reading sessions.

The Culture - Creativity section invites you to rediscover yourself - with language, clay and imagination. Literature is a particular focus this semester: we are celebrating "40 years of women reading and discussing" - a programme that gives women a voice and makes literary diversity visible. In addition, the varied series "Bocholt liest" is taking place in cooperation with Bocholt City Library; among others, Christof Jauernig will be our guest on 4 December with his work "Eintausendmal Lebenssinn".

Anyone who writes themselves or would like to try it out is cordially invited to the "Writer's Room": an open format for creative writing in all its forms, from prose to poetry. The writing workshop focuses on the power of poetry. With five pottery courses, the VHS offers a variety of opportunities to work creatively with your hands. For all those who want to discover something new right on their doorstep, there are two offers as part of "Being creative in the neighbourhood".

The programme also has a lot to offer in the area of "Culinary": In addition to trips to country cuisines from Turkey, Italy and Croatia, vegan cuisine and English-language cookery courses are also on offer. The fermentation course, in which participants learn how to preserve vegetables in a natural way, is particularly exciting. The programme is rounded off by creative cookery courses with gift ideas from the kitchen - perfect for special occasions.

Integration courses

Dates for consultations on integration and language courses as well as general information can be found on the homepage in the "German - Integration" section as well as by telephone at the VHS office in Bocholt (02871/953-2277) or at the branch offices in Rhede (02872/930-269) and Isselburg (02874/911-31).

The VHS team hopes that all those interested will enjoy reading the new programme and looks forward to seeing you again in the second half of the 2025 academic year.