1. EARLALL -Seminar on Liberal Adult Eduaction Britten Månsson-Wallin Secretary General Folkbildningsrådet The Swedish National Council of Adult Education www.folkbildning.se

2. What is ´folkbildning´? Folkbildning: The liberal non-formal and voluntary eductional system in Sweden comprised of Folk High Schools (148) Study associations (9 national organisations with some 260 local departments) Folk High Schools Schools for adults (over 18) run by NGO´s or county councils Long and short courses on various levels, 50%< qualify for university studies Each school has its own board and profile Each term around 100,000 participants (27,000 long courses)

3. Decree on Government Subsidy for Liberal Adult Education The conditions for government grants to liberal adult education are stated in the Decree on Government Subsidy for Liberal Adult Education. The aims of the government subsidy: –furthering activities that empower women and men to shape their lives and create commitments for taking part in developing society –strengthening and developing democracy –Broadening cultural interest in society, increasing participation in cultural life and furthering the enjoyment of cultural events and peoples own creativity

4. The Government Bill for Liberal Adult Education 2006 Learn, Grow, Change The goverments focus: Democracy, lifelong learning and personal development The government promotes 7 fields of action: 1.Valuing learning 2.The challenges of the multicultural society 3.The demographic challenge 4.The lifelong learning 5.Cultural activity 6.People with disabilities 7.Public health, sustainable development and global justice

5. General courses (1-3 years) – a way to qualify for Higher Education Students/participants –not completed their secondary education –special educational needs; Short basic education Various disabilities Immigrants with special needs Study assessment achieved at FHS –an overall assessment of their aptitude for studies (excellent study aptitude,very good, good or poor)

6. Special courses (1-2 years) – - a way to deepen your interest - to get vocational education Various educational levels Aestetic subjects, environmental studies, subjects relating to developing countries… Journalist, youth leader programmes…

7. History of Folk High Schools(FHS) 1868 3 Folk High Schools Farmer´s need of education, political ambitions 2009 148 Folk High Schools all over the country 2 test FHS-projects for Romanies and Muslims A central concept has always been - everyone´s right to knowledge, development and to influence societal development (to become an active citizen)

8. What is Folkbildningsrådet ? The Swedish National Council of Adult Eucation A non-profit association with certain authoritative tasks delegated by the Government and the Parliament Three members: –The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL) –The Interest Organisation for Popular Movement Folk High Schools (RIO) –The Swedish National Federation of Study Associations (Fbf)

9. The Swedish National Council of Adult Education Distributes government grants to study associations and folk high schools Tries appliances from new study associations and folk high schools Evaluates and follows up folkbildning activities according to the Decree on Government Subsidies to Folkbildning Submits budgetary documentation and annual reports to the government

10. Governmental subsidies 2009 to 148 Folk High Schools 1 540 000 000 Sv kr Subsidies from Regions and County councils 528 000 000 Sv kr (2008)

11. Thank you ! Good luck with -liberal adult education -popular education -non formal adult education -adult learning activities in your country !