Liberal adult education in Sweden
Liberal adult education (folkbildning), which has a long history in Swedish social life, is provided by folk high schools (folkhögskolor) and study associations (studieförbund).
Courses include a wide variety of subjects.
The hallmark of Liberal adult education is that it is 'free and voluntary'.
The responsibility for allocating government grants and evaluating performance rests with the Swedish National Council of Adult Education (FBR), a nonprofit organisation comprising three members: the Swedish National Federation of Study Associations, the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions and the Interest Organisation of Popular Movement Folk High Schools (RIO).
The central government block grant is currently shared among 150 folk high schools and ten study associations. Government guidelines include a statement of the purpose of the grant - to help strengthen democracy and intensify commitment to and participation in the development of society, among other aims - and set out applicable reporting requirements. Apart from the guidelines, liberal adult education is free from government control.
Courses offered by folk high schools and study association study circles and cultural activities are open to everyone and cover a wide range of subjects.
Folk high schools
Of the 150 folk high schools, over 100 are run by popular movements (NGOs), non-profit bodies and support associations, some 40 are the responsibility of county councils and regions, and one comes under municipal management.
Unlike other educational institutions, folk high schools are not required to follow centrally established curricula. The freedom to determine its own activities and educational profile affords each folk high school considerable scope to design and tailor its courses to suit a range of target groups.
Studies are often inter-disciplinary with project oriented courses based on participants' needs, previous knowledge and experience. Students can bring their collective influence to bear on the direction and content of their studies.
Study associations
The ten study associations differ in terms of aims and orientation. Each has a central administrative office and a varying number of local branches and/or districts countrywide. The associations, along with their principals, normally form part of a popular movement.
Activities are based on participants' experience, needs and previous knowledge.
In addition to study circles, study associations are responsible for a broad range of cultural activities, filling a particularly important function in the 250 municipalities without state cultural institutions.
Information about study circles, etc. offered locally can be obtained at local and district branches of each association.
