ABF is Sweden’s largest adult liberal education association. The abbreviation stands for Arbetarnas Bildningsförbund (the Workers’ Educational Association).
Focus on social class is no less important today than it was when the association was started in 1912. That’s why we want to give the most to those who have received the least. The ABF is a politically independent organisation, but we share the values of the labour movement. Democracy, diversity, justice and equality are the foundations of the ABF’s operations.
Goal is for people to study together and form an opinion on key social issues. Everyone should have the opportunity to gain the knowledge to influence their own situations, and to be able to influence local and global developments. Starting a study circle is an easy way to get together for learning purposes. It’s cheap and requires no previous knowledge. Organisations that aim to effect change are in constant need of new knowledge, inspiration and methods to know what path to take. Understanding the conditions at your workplace is essential to be able to make changes.
The majority of the ABF of Sweden’s financing comes from grants from the government, county and municipal councils, and fees from the participants and the affiliated organisations. The central ABF receives government grants, which it distributes to the local branches based on the scope of their activities.
The State provides funding to liberal adult education for several reasons:
Some priorities are to even out gaps in education and raise the overall level of education in society. People of foreign descent, participants with disabilities and the unemployed are particularly important target groups for State financial support.
