STUDIEFRÄMJANDET UPPSALA VÄSTMANLAND
Studiefrämjandet is one of the largest study associations for adult education in Sweden, working mainly in the field of non-formal life-long learning. Studiefrämjandet has been part of the tradition of non-formal adult education – folkbildning – in Sweden since the foundation in 1959. Studiefrämjandet organises study circles, cultural events, seminars and projects in all of Sweden´s municipalities. The topics of these vary and always depend on what the participants want to study. It could be topics like gardening, parenthood, energy transition, watercolours, pet care, languages or programming computer games etc. Studiefrämjandet is an association, consisting of 19 member organisations and the non-formal adult education activities are attended by different groups of people starting from as young as 13 years old. 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. Participation and lifelong learning is the overall goal to give people the opportunity to increase their participation in society and to provide tools for self-development and lifelong learning in order to maintain a high educational standard and to strengthen and protect a democratic society.
EDUCATIONAL CENTER HRINGSJÁ
Hringsjá was founded in 1987 by the Icelandic Association for people with disabilities (ÖBí), and was in the early years a vocational training center for adults with disabilities. Hringsjá’s function has evolved and grown since then. Hringsjá is now an education centre for adults who have themselves applied for studies, and also determined their need for an education in a supported and safe environment. Hringsjá’s overall objective is empowerment through education and the enhancement of personal development. Learners are both men and women, 18 years of age and older with diverse background and story in life. Learners have various backgrounds and have decided to reassess and strengthen their possibilities and position in society. Most learners have health problems due to disease, accidents, trauma, psychiatric illness or lifestyle choices. Hringsjá is a small education centre, with approximately 80 students attending the full training program at a time, the full program is 3 semesters. In addition, approx. 600 students a year attend shorter courses and consultation. Hringsjá aims at providing a safe, comfortable environment for education, training and personal growth, for adults that have not had many victories in life. Hringsjá is a place where students redefine their skills, interest and self-image.
FO-AARHUS
FO-Aarhus is a nonprofit association and self-owned with an elected board of governors coming from private companies, public administration, and the formal and vocational education sector. FO-Aarhus basic expertise lies in non-formal adult education for the general public and specialization in programs and activities that help disadvantaged groups – e.g. immigrants, unemployed people, people with learning disabilities, dyslectics, people with mental issues – to enhance their quality of life and to integrate (or re-integrate) into society and the work force. The aim is to strengthen the participants’ personal, social, and vocational competences as a stepping-stone to re-education, re-inclusion into the job market or further education. FO-Aarhus organizes around 115.000 lessons per year, covering all sorts of subjects and course types, from cultural and leisure-based activities to job training for the unemployed, integration projects, and special educations for socially and mentally vulnerable citizens.