Adult education centre events in April

Monday, 8 April, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Understanding China: What characterises Chinese culture? How can we understand it better?
Location: Chemnitz Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.07
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410135

China is on everyone's lips! China has become one of the most important global political and economic players. It is hard to imagine the daily news without the country and it is also becoming an increasingly interesting travel destination. But how can we assess and understand the "Middle Kingdom" at all, as we have hardly any experience with the behaviour and values of this Far Eastern culture?

The aim of this event is to gain a basic understanding of Chinese culture. Specific attitudes and values will be presented, as well as the respective behavioural practices. Among other things, indirect communication, the concept of face and other cultural characteristics will be discussed. There will also be room for participants to discuss their personal points of contact and experiences with China and Chinese culture. The aim of the course is to develop a basic intercultural competence for China. The event is open to everyone, regardless of whether you have already been to China, are planning a trip to China or are simply curious about China.

This programme is co-financed by tax funds on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament.

8 April to 3 June, Mondays, 6 to 7.30 p.m. (8 events)
Mindfulness and self-care
Location: Chemnitz Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.21
Participation: 91.20 euros, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2435353

This course is all about self-care based on mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress in everyday life and has a positive effect on physical and emotional well-being. In addition to a look at the background to stress and the importance of a regulated nervous system, the focus will be on various practical exercises that can also be used at home.

Tuesday, 9 April, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Reading: Female figures in the King David account
Venue: TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, Stefan-Heym-Forum
Participation: 12.80 euros, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S242830

A lecture and reading that approaches the novel "The King David Report" from an unusual angle. The focus is not on the well-known representatives of power such as the kings Solomon and David or the historian Ethan, but on the strong female characters such as Ethan's wife Esther, his lover Lilith, the queen mother Bathsheba or Princess Michal. Biographical background information on the writing of the novel will round off the evening.

Wednesday, 10 April, 10.15 to 11.45 a.m.
Mobile with public transport: Easily accessible and barrier-free
Location: Chemnitz Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.62
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2419025

Around 25 per cent of people in Germany are unable to use their own vehicle and are therefore less mobile. It is important for them to find their way around when using public transport. Many questions arise: How do I read route maps? How do I get a ticket? How do I use mobility apps and digital information? And where can I find barrier-free access to local public transport?

The "Public transport for all" project addresses precisely these issues. In this course, we present this project of the VdK Saxony Social Association. We would like to talk to you about topics that are of particular interest to you. The programme is aimed at senior citizens and people with limited mobility. In addition to the VdK Sachsen project manager, a contact person from the Central Saxony Transport Association (VMS) will be present.

This event is a co-operation between the social association VdK Sachsen e.V., the Central Saxony Transport Association and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.

Wednesday, 10 April, 5 to 7.15 p.m.
Stefan Heym - the uncomfortable one (A literary city tour)
Meeting point: Gerhart-Hauptmann-Platz 13
Participation: 12 euros, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2428409

Stefan Heym was born Helmut Flieg in Chemnitz on 10 April 1913. He spent his childhood with his family on the Kaßberg. Because of his anti-militaristic poem "Exportgeschäfte" (Export Business), he had to leave the grammar school in his home town. He completed his Abitur in Berlin, where he then began studying journalism. After the Reichstag fire in 1933, he fled to Prague. There he gave up his civil name and henceforth called himself Stefan Heym. The tour traces Heym's daily life in Chemnitz. Reading passages from his autobiography "Nachruf" complement the literary city tour.

12 to 26 April, Fridays, 5 to 5.45 p.m. (3 events)
Relaxation journey with singing bowls
Location: Chemnitz Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 5.44
Participation: 14.80 euros, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2435061

A harmoniously created sound field in combination with a fantasy journey - how can you relax better or let go of everyday life? Sound journeys can strengthen well-being, stimulate creativity and have a positive influence on the ability to learn and concentrate.

This offer is aimed at people who would like to experience a soothing time-out and do something for themselves in addition to the demands of everyday life.

Saturday, 13 April, 10.45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Keeping memories alive: Day trip to the Pirna Sonnenstein memorial site
Location: Chemnitz main railway station, Bahnhofstraße forecourt
Participation: 21.40 euros, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410150

The Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial is a historical site in Pirna that symbolises the tragic and dark history of the 20th century. In 1811, a sanatorium and nursing home for people with mental disabilities and mental illnesses was initially established there. During the National Socialist era, the site became a place of euthanasia. Between 1940 and 1941, almost 14,000 people who were considered "unworthy of life" were systematically murdered here under the name "Aktion T4". These were mainly people with mental disabilities, mental disorders and other health impairments. In most cases, the victims were killed by gassing or overdoses of medication. Among the victims were also sick people from Chemnitz who were brought there to be murdered.

Today, the Pirna-Sonnenstein memorial is a place of remembrance and warning of this dark period in history. The memorial houses exhibitions, documents and information about the place and the people who suffered here.

With this day trip to the Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial, we invite you to raise awareness of the crimes of National Socialism and to keep the memory of the victims alive.

Planned programme:
10.45 a.m. Meeting point Chemnitz main station, forecourt Bahnhofstraße
11.04 a.m. departure with RE 3 / change at DD main station > arrival at Pirna station at 12.50 p.m.
1.00 p.m. joint walk as a "memorial path" from the railway station to the memorial site
- with a short stop at 16 memorials for victims of euthanasia
1.45 pm Arrival at the Pirna-Sonnenstein memorial site
2 p.m. Guided tour of the memorial - until approx. 3.30 p.m.
15.45 Individual return to the railway station
17.07 hrs Departure from Pirna station / change at DD main station > Arrival at Chemnitz main station 18.52 hrs

The participant fee includes travel costs (Sachsentickets).

The journey from the station to the memorial (and back) can also be made by city bus.

Monday, 15 April, 6.30 to 7.45 p.m.
What is the state of German-Polish cooperation? A discussion with the coordinator Dietmar Nietan
Location: online, registration is possible until 15 April, 12 noon. The access link will be sent by e-mail at least three hours before the event begins.
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410118

Many German observers have been following political events in Poland with interest since the parliamentary elections in October 2023. Where is the country heading? Many are also hoping that the new government will increasingly ease tensions in German-Polish relations, both directly between neighbours and within the European Union.

It is worth taking a closer look at the long-standing neighbourly relations and disputes. On this evening, Dietmar Nietan (SPD) will provide information online about his work as coordinator for German-Polish inter-societal and cross-border cooperation at the Federal Foreign Office. We invite you to talk to him about current issues and the rapprochement between Germans and Poles.

Thursday, 18 April, 5 to 7.15 p.m.
Yoga Nidra - to get to know each other
Location: Chemnitz Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 5.31
Participation: 13.50 euros, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2435393

Yoga Nidra is a very powerful relaxation technique for body, mind and soul. "Yoga" means unity or harmony, while "nidra" is sleep. This is why it is also known colloquially as the "sleep of the yogis". In this course, you will familiarise yourself with this special form and can expand and deepen your existing practice. In deep relaxation, the body can release tension, calm thoughts and feelings and draw new strength and energy. Yoga Nidra is suitable for everyone.

Friday, 19 April, 5 to 7.15 p.m.
Everyday life at Radio Chemnitz - studio talk
Location: Radio Chemnitz editorial offices, Carolastraße 4-6
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410210

Anyone who listens to Radio Chemnitz only knows one side of reality. Because what does it actually look like behind the scenes, i.e. in the broadcasting studio? What does the day-to-day work of editors and presenters look like? How is the news content selected and compiled? And what criteria and principles apply?

In this event, you will gain an insight and understanding of how a radio studio works and how programmes are created. Presenter Conny Hartmann will report live from the Radio Chemnitz studio and will be available for questions and discussions.

This event is co-financed by tax revenue on the basis of the budget approved by the Saxon state parliament.

Monday, 22 April, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Life stories from Iran. In conversation with the artist Nazanin Zandi
Location: Chemnitz Open Space, Brückenstraße 10
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410115

In 2022, the whole world was watching Iran. The death of 22-year-old Jina Mahsa Amini triggered the largest mass demonstrations in the history of the Islamic Republic. Many of the women and men who protested were arrested, tortured and executed by the regime. In the meantime, the protests have fallen silent. But the revolutionary process continues. How do Iranians living in Germany view their country? Or Germans with Iranian roots?

The artist Nazanin Zandi was born in Iran and attended school there. She now lives and works in Dresden. She is committed to civil society in Iran and women's rights. In her lecture, she provides insights into the history of the country by talking about her family living in Iran and showing photos from the family album. "Individual life stories can help to make the world understandable," she says.

Freelance journalist Jan Theurich moderates the event and introduces historical and political events and facts. Together, they will talk about the struggle of civil society against the regime and delve into the country's history.

This event is a cooperation between the Saxon State Centre for Political Education and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre as part of the "Controversial on Site" project.

Thursday, 25 April, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
"Walks" and sit-in blockades - controversial protests. Lecture and discussion
Location: Chemnitz Adult Education Centre at TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, course room 4.07
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410160

Demonstrations are an important part of democracy. The right to assemble and express one's own opinions is guaranteed both by the German constitution and by European treaties. In Germany, there have been many debates in recent years about how to deal with protests and restrictions on the freedom of assembly, for example in connection with the coronavirus pandemic. Such controversial protests include the Monday demonstrations in Saxony. Depending on the current situation, they are directed against coronavirus measures, energy policy or refugee facilities. Some of them are organised and led by right-wing extremist parties and movements that seek to connect with the centre of society in this way.

A current example from a completely different political direction are the actions of the so-called "Last Generation". One part of society shows understanding and support for the goals of climate activists, while another becomes critical, impatient and sometimes even aggressive towards the demonstrators.

At the event, speakers Dr Piotr Kocyba and Dr Alexander Leistner will provide brief inputs on current protest movements and place them in historical context. They will then discuss the legitimisation of the protest movements presented, their impact on social cohesion and democracy with each other and with their audience.

Dr Piotr Kocyba is a protest researcher and expert on East Central Europe from the Else Frenkel Brunswik Institute at Leipzig University and a board member of the Institute for Protest and Movement Research. Dr Alexander Leistner is a protest researcher at the Institute for Cultural Studies at Leipzig University. His work focuses on the GDR opposition, East German protest culture and the sociology of violence. We invite you to come and talk to both academics.

This event is a cooperation between the Saxon State Centre for Political Education and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre as part of the "Kontrovers vor Ort" project.

Tuesday, 30 April, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
"Women in Landscapes" - a portrait of four East German female politicians. Film screening and discussion
Location: TIETZ, Moritzstraße 20, event hall, 3rd floor
Participation: free of charge, registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/S2410165

There is no doubt about it: East German women can do politics! They drive social change and fight for their convictions. Anke Domscheit-Berg (Die Linke), Yvonne Magwas (CDU), Frauke Petry (non-party, formerly AfD) and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) are the protagonists in Sabine Michel's new film. The director was awarded the Grimme Prize in 2012 and has been a member of the German Film Academy since 2019.

Born in Dresden in 1971, the author and director illuminates East German perspectives and realities of life in many of her works. The documentary "Women in Landscapes" uses empathetic interviews to create an atmosphere in which the audience can participate in the professional and political as well as very personal experiences of the women portrayed. Despite all the differences between the political positions and offices as well as the everyday lives of the four female politicians, their GDR biographies are a unifying element. After the film screening, we invite you to talk to the director.

This event is a cooperation between the Saxon State Centre for Political Education and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre as part of the "Controversial on Site" project.

Information from the adult education centre:

Prior registration is important for all courses and events. This can be done by telephone on 0371 488 4343, by e-mail to info(at)vhs-chemnitz.de or online via the registration link provided in the course information.

If an event is already fully booked, it is possible to be placed on the waiting list without obligation.

Up-to-date information is available at www.vhs-chemnitz.de.