Regardless of which government comes to power after the election, education policy must make better use of folk high schools. This would reduce unemployment, raise the level of education, and benefit both cultural life and social cohesion.

This is argued by two of the most prominent figures in the Swedish folk high school movement, Anna Ekström and Robert Uitto, in a joint opinion piece in Svenska Dagbladet.

Uitto is the chair of OFI (the Interest Organisation for Publicly Owned Folk High Schools), of which Åsa is a member. Ekström is the chair of the Interest Organisation for Movement Folk High Schools (RIO).

One-sided investments
With their joint statement ahead of the September election, they remind policymakers of the societal value that the country’s 152 folk high schools can provide—if only they are given the opportunity.

This has not been the case during the current term of office, the authors note. Instead, education policy investments have been directed solely toward vocational training within municipal adult education (Komvux).

“Each year, this one-sided investment has meant that funds have gone unused and instead been returned to the state treasury. Despite this, the investments during this term have continued to bypass folk high schools,” Ekström and Uitto writes.

Demand is a paradox
During this period, several folk high schools have experienced worsening finances—some to the extent that they have been forced to declare bankruptcy.

The fact that government funding for folk high schools has not been increased since 2014 has led to fewer course participants, a reduced range of courses, and neglected maintenance.

Paradoxically, the schools continue to experience high demand for their courses. However, the resources are insufficient to meet this demand, the authors point out.

Can make a huge difference
Folk high schools are an important part of the national education system. At a time of historically high unemployment, skills shortages in several sectors, and large groups of people far from the labor market, Ekström and Uitto call for folk high schools to be included in upcoming education initiatives.

They are convinced that the unique educational approach of folk high schools, and their view of the individual’s capacity for development, can make an enormous difference.

“If we are only given the opportunity, we can open pathways to employment, further studies, a flourishing cultural life, and social cohesion for many who would otherwise be excluded.”

Text: Henrik Wising