Studiefrämjandet - The Study Promotion Association
Facts about us
The Studiefrämjandet is one of the largest study associations for adult education in Sweden. We work mainly in the field of non-formal adult education.
We have been part of the tradition of liberal life-long learning in Sweden since our foundation in 1959. We organise study circles, cultural events, seminars and projects in all municipalities of Sweden.
The over-all goal is to give people the opportunity to increase their participation in society and to provide tools for self-development and life-long learning in order to maintain a high educational standard and to strengthen and protect a democratic society.
We offer study circles, seminars and cultural events in a wide range of subjects such as culture, nature and environmental issues as well as parenthood, arts and crafts and outdoor education. There is a strong focus on activities for young adults, especially rock music, role-playing and theatre.
We receive state financial support via government grants; also funding from counties and municipalities. The rest comes from study circle course fees paid by the participants.
We are a non-political and non-religious organisation with 19 member organisations. Among these are The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, The National Federation of Swedish 4H, The Swedish Hunters’ Association, The Swedish Touring Club (STF), and MoKS, an umbrella organisation for music and culture associations. Additionally, we also co-operate with many other non-governmental organisations (NGO’s).
Studiefrämjandet also runs an adult education college - folkhögskola.
Valla Folkhögskola offers extended further education for adults such as special education for event producers.
Studiefrämjandet in figures
During 2007 Studiefrämjandet arranged 42 500 study circles in a variety of different subjects. We also arranged 34 590 cultural events such as concerts, lectures, exhibitions and performances. A total of 2,122 296 people participated in our study circles and events.
Special target groups
Studiefrämjandet has a strong commitment to socially and culturally disadvantaged groups in society and to groups with special needs such as immigrants, disabled people and the unemployed.
Contacts within Europe and with developing countries
We have developed several co-operative ties with organisations in Europe as well as with developing countries.
We participate in Grundtvig Projects within the Socrates Programme.
Studiefrämjandet became a member of the EBZ Network (European Centres for Culture and Communication) in 2003. We receive public support from The Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency for information about developing countries.
www.ebz-online.net
Our pedagogy – the study circle
The core of our sphere of activities is the study circle. It is an effective pedagogical method particularly suitable for adults since it puts the participants’ own experience in a central position. The method fosters interaction, enabling all participants to contribute with their different skills and talents. People attend study circles to acquire further professional skills or for personal development.
Swedish non-formal adult education
Swedish non-formal adult education has a long history. It started in the late nineteenth century when different educational movements developed alongside and in co-operation with new popular movements such as trade unions, farmers’ associations, political organisations and churches.
Today Swedish non-formal adult education is organised through 8 study associations and 148 adult education colleges – folkhögskolor.
Non-formal adult education in Sweden is available to everyone, the main task being to reduce the education gap in society and to reach those who have least benefited from society’s educational resources. It is free from government intervention and has public support.
The study circle
• Is a small group studying a specific subject or question of common interest
• Has at least 3 (normally 5-12) participants including the circle leader
• Meets usually once a week for a couple of months
• People choose to study freely and participate during their free time
• Goals for group studies are decided by the entire group- small group democracy in action
• There are neither credits nor points and no examinations