About Bilda in other languages
Uppdaterad:
Here you can find information about Bilda and the Swedish tradition of folkbildning in numerous languages.
English
Studieförbundet Bilda is one of nine study associations in Sweden that offers ”folkbildning”; courses, study circle and cultural activities. With the support and inspiration from us, we help people from different backgrounds meet, create and evolve.
As an adult educational association, Bilda is part of the Swedish tradition of folkbildning, liberal adult education, which grew out of the popular movements of the 19th century. ”Folk” means people and ”bildning” means learning, or enlightenment. Put them together and you get the word ”folkbildning”, the Swedish form of non-formal adult education.
Together with our member organizations, partners and participants we create ”folkbildning”. Though offering courses, study circles and cultural activities on a broad variety of subjects, Bilda specializes in faith, religion, culture, dialogue and societal and existential issues.
We belive that it’s within the meeting with others we get new perspectives and grow as human beings. Our belief is every human beings right to seek knowledge, express themselves and to create meaning – regardless of who you are or where you live.
Our head office is located in Stockholm and we have local branches in most parts of Sweden together with a study centre in Jerusalem.
Through study circles, courses, and cultural programs, the study associations have contributed to the development of democratic cultural practices in Sweden. Read more about ”folkbildning” on The Swedish National Council of Adult Education website here.
More about ”folkbildning”
In Sweden, state support for adult education is available via study groups. A study group is a group of people who meet in their leisure time to learn something new. This can be learning to play a musical instrument, learning a new language or cooking skills, for example. The leader of the group can be a volunteer or a salaried employee. Leaders do not have be qualified teachers. Joining a study group is voluntary and you do not receive a certificate in the subject you have studied.
There are 10 adult education associations that offer study group courses in Sweden. One such association is Studieförbundet Bilda. To join a study group, you must present a valid civil registration number or if you are an asylum seeker, your socalled LMA number and date of birth to the group leader. Data protection legislation in Sweden prevents the government from obtaining data on who is a member of a study group. Studieförbundet Bilda strictly complies with this legislation.