From the History of the Volksbildungswerk
The Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk (VBW) was re-founded in the autumn of 1945 and is by far the oldest institution of the country in adult education steeped in tradition.
Many significant impulses for the cultural life in the Burgenland have again and again originated in the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk:
In the forties and fifties of the twentieth century it was necessary to help rebuild the country and to assist the population in their new orientation of public life in municipalities and communities, after their horrible experiences during the National Socialist Era. Through personality development and training of the people in fine arts all over the country, the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk contributed in finding new stability, in remembering values, in strengthening self-esteem, and in developing consciousness for our country. The foundation of associations in the municipalities and of comprehensive organizations on country level was especially supported by us. Up-to-date popular cultural work has since then been resident within the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk.
From the sixties of the twentieth century on, community development - and derived from it - regional development stood in the foreground, by introducing education weeks and education days.
Finally, from the eighties of the twentieth century on, health education and parent education were especially emphasized.
While the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk in the first decades of its existence fully relied on honorary lecturers, since 1962 a supporting full-time structure has been developed, built up in detail in the eighties.
The activities of the VBW have always stayed with the municipalities. The emphasis has been put on planning and realization of appropriate, tailor-made educational offers for the Burgenland population.
Many significant impulses for the cultural life in the Burgenland have again and again originated in the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk:
In the forties and fifties of the twentieth century it was necessary to help rebuild the country and to assist the population in their new orientation of public life in municipalities and communities, after their horrible experiences during the National Socialist Era. Through personality development and training of the people in fine arts all over the country, the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk contributed in finding new stability, in remembering values, in strengthening self-esteem, and in developing consciousness for our country. The foundation of associations in the municipalities and of comprehensive organizations on country level was especially supported by us. Up-to-date popular cultural work has since then been resident within the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk.
From the sixties of the twentieth century on, community development - and derived from it - regional development stood in the foreground, by introducing education weeks and education days.
Finally, from the eighties of the twentieth century on, health education and parent education were especially emphasized.
While the Burgenlaendisches Volksbildungswerk in the first decades of its existence fully relied on honorary lecturers, since 1962 a supporting full-time structure has been developed, built up in detail in the eighties.
The activities of the VBW have always stayed with the municipalities. The emphasis has been put on planning and realization of appropriate, tailor-made educational offers for the Burgenland population.