Learning and Living Democracy : Non-Formal Adult Education in South Africa and Sweden

Folkbildning refers to the tradition of non-formal, popular adult education in Sweden, which is based on a citizen-centred philosophy, and has as its core objective the building of democracy. This booklet focuses on the lessons and insights from this tradition that are of interest to South Africa today as we reshape our education system. The four essays in this short publication arise out of a study tour to Sweden undertaken by South African educators, under the auspices of Idasa, to investigate Swedish traditions of popular adult education and how these could stimulate non-formal education in this country.