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Promoting Lifelong Learning Across Borders: Spotlight on up PAMINA vhs

01/07/2025

In the heart of Europe, where borders meet and cultures intertwine, the up PAMINA vhs stands as a powerful example of what regional cooperation can achieve in adult learning. Celebrating its 25th anniversary with the event “Dialogue Forum – Continuing Education Without Borders”, this cross-border adult education center continues to lead the way in fostering Franco-German understanding and bilingual learning in the PAMINA region—which includes parts of Baden (DE), the Palatinate (DE), and Northern Alsace (FR).

A Unique Cross-Border Learning Institution

Based in Wissembourg, Alsace, and registered under French law, up PAMINA vhs was born from a grassroots vision initiated by the Südwestpfalz District Adult Education Center. What started as a pilot project in 1994/95—backed by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate—quickly evolved into a pioneering model for institutionalised cross-border education. By 1998, with support from EU Interreg II funding, a permanent office was established, and the center formally became an association under French local law—mirroring the legal structure of other French adult education institutions.

Strengthening Regional Ties Through Education

The core mission of up PAMINA vhs is to promote bilingual, cross-border continuing education, strengthen regional networks, and offer inclusive access to knowledge through a shared European perspective. Its biannual programme spans five main areas:

  • Art and Creativity
  • Food and Drink
  • Languages and Regional Studies
  • History and Society
  • Nature and Health

Courses are delivered in German and French, by bilingual instructors, across various venues in both countries. This model allows the center to directly engage with citizens on both sides of the border and create a truly European learning experience.

Impact in Numbers

Since its founding, over 50,000 participants have taken part in the center’s activities—averaging around 100 events and 2,000 participants per year.

up PAMINA vhs has also been widely recognized for its contributions. It was awarded the Michel Bréal Prize in 2015 and became a certified member of the Baden-Württemberg Adult Education Association, underlining its role in both regional and national education landscapes.

Why It Matters

The work of up PAMINA vhs reflects EARLALL’s belief that regions are essential actors in shaping meaningful, accessible lifelong learning opportunities. As a cross-border institution, it embodies European cooperation at the grassroots level—where policy meets people, and learning bridges language and culture.

📖 Explore the up PAMINA vhs brochure
🎥 Watch the introduction video
🌐 Visit the official website