Circa 30 people from folk high schools around the country gathered when Åsa hosted the SMF day 2026. The event–the first of its kind–was created to strengthen Åsa and other schools’ work with labour market-oriented folk high school courses.

– There are methods and experiences within SMF courses that deserve to be shared. When we meet, we grow.

So said Charlotte Kvarnhem, teacher and coordinator for Åsa’s SMF course, ahead of the event. Kvarnhem had long nurtured the idea of holding an SMF day. On 23 April, it finally became a reality.

Rewarding discussions
Around 30 colleagues from other folk high schools gathered at Åsa for a full day of networking, exchange of experiences, and inspiring conversations about SMF.

The morning featured discussions about the schools’ courses and experiences of collaboration with Arbetsförmedlingen (the Swedish Public Employment Service). Charlotte Kvarnhem describes the conversations as highly rewarding.

The participation of a representative from Folkbildningsrådet (the Swedish National Council of Folk Education) was also greatly appreciated.

Alternative pedagogy
During the afternoon, participants were guided through examples of how alternative pedagogy can be used within SMF.

The afternoon workshop was led by Julia Fries, drama pedagogue and psychodramatist, who also has worked as a teacher in SMF at Åsa.

Before the day concluded, the group reflected on and processed the various experiences from the morning sessions.

Hope for continuation
Charlotte Kvarnhem sees the SMF gathering as the starting point for something new and hopes it will become a recurring event. It remains to be seen whether future gatherings will be hosted at Åsa, or elsewhere among the nearly 90 folk high schools that run SMF programmes.

Study motivational folk high school courses are aimed at unemployed people who lack upper secondary qualifications and the basic eligibility required for higher education. The courses are provided on behalf of Arbetsförmedlingen.

Text: Henrik Wising