“Life-long learning” quite a Swedish concept Posted by Katja on Apr 16, 2012 in Culture, Living in Sweden
From the 70’s onward the concept of everybody having the right to learn, to go to school and more importantly; go back to school become national. Folk High schools, distance learning, learning online and further developing of skills through work are all common for adults in Sweden. There is no disgrace in going back to university, changing professions or even just going back because you find it leisurely.
Many older people, a surprisingly large number of retired people, go on different courses, either day-time ones or evening courses to learn how to use computers or type for example. It is generally the case that Swedes want to keep intellectually active throughout their whole life. Many people choose, when they get more time in their lives for example after having children etc. to learn new languages, learn how to cook or learn how to play an instrument. This is something they take great pride in.
The Swedish government subsidizes these courses quite a lot so that they are available to almost anybody who wants to go. The idea that anybody should be disadvantaged when it comes to learning is completely unacceptable, so a lot of energy, time and money is put into different types of projects to keep people interested for life-long learning.
This is one of the things that makes me very proud over my country and the way it works.
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Comments:
Eric Swanson:
I think another reason for the courses is that a lot of people in Sweden live alone, so the courses give them a chance to socialize in a positive environment. Another issue that needs a closer look in Sweden is often the need for workers to retrain because their job has been shipped overseas.
Caroline G.:
Which, of course, is exactly as it should be here in England and in fact was to some extent before the then government decided not to subsidise evening classes and put up the fees for the Open University to unaffordable levels for many people. They say there is help available but you really do have to be all but poverty stricken to be eligible for help. I did a great many courses (and passed the exams) in science courses which have greatly enhanced my interests in life and I would certainly do more if they were not so expensive.