BackFocal Point Ukraine – a conference on active citizenship
The uncertainty in the world with wars and the decline of democracy places increased demands on us as individuals. These individual competences were discussed at the Multicultural Folk High School in Gothenburg on 28 April. The focus was on how non-formal education and folk high schools can contribute to strengthening these capabilities. Can they continue to play a vital role, with the uncertainty that characterizes our time? That was the key question at the “Focal Point Ukraine – Democracy, Civil Society and Folkbildning in Times of Crisis” conference, which closely align also with the objectives of Policy Area Education.
Our ability to critical thinking to be able to distinguish lies from truth. The importance of strengthening our preparedness and inner security to be able to act and not to be passive when facing crises. The ability to uphold democracy through our own active participation in societal development. These were the three important individual competences that were discussed at the conference. Historically, non-formal education has played an important role when the democracies in the Nordic countries was shaped in the beginning of the 20th century.
International participation with a strong focus on Ukraine
Over 80 participants from non-formal educations, folk high schools in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden together with similar schools in Tanzania and Ukraine gathered in Gothenburg. Ukraine was also represented with refugees who are currently active in folk high schools as teachers and students. The Network for Folk High Schools in Ukraine together with the principal of the first folk high school in Ukraine also participated in the conference. Policy Area Education was represented by Mr. Anders Bergström, Policy Area Coordinator.
A programme of inspiration, reflection, and action
The program was filled with a mix of inspiring lectures and panel discussions interspersed with conversations in smaller groups. The discussions covered topics such as how to engage citizens in societal development. The importance of investing in democracy and active citizenship. Good examples were presented. One of these was presented by Mr. Fredrik Djurklou, Swedish Civil Contingency Agency and Ms Anastasia Nekrasova, Ukrainian Bildung Network. Thery presented the training of instructors in first aid that takes place at the folk high school Vovchok, 50 kilometers north of Kyiv. Since May 2022, around 90 Ukrainian instructors have been trained by the Swedish Civil Contingency Agency. These, in turn, have trained 15,000 civilians, including firefighters, and 45,000 military to become first responders.
For information about the conference program, please click here (PDF).
