The folk high school movement is a characteristically Nordic phenomenon which started in the middle of the 19th century in Denmark followed by Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Folk high schools operate in the field of voluntary and general adult education. The goal of the folk high schools mainly is to offer general education both to young people and adults, and their courses cover a wide spectrum of subjects. In some cases, they also provide vocational education.
Each nordic country has traits of their own
Although the folk high school in each country have developed traits of their own during the decades, they have, however, many common features. One such feature is that the majority of the schools are residential schools, and thus social life at school is seen as an important part of the educational programme, promoting, amongst other things, a sense of personal awareness, social responsibility and providing training in democracy.
Unlike the "normal" school, folk high schools are not bound by centrally standardised curriculum's - each folk high school determines its own activities in view of the ideological and educational profile of the school. Folk high schools are mainly run by private organisations, foundations and popular movements, some of them are run by country councils and municipalities. In each country these schools receive financial support from the state; in addition, the students can receive a state grant.
The Nordic countries are very similar
The Nordic countries are an area of five separate states and a population of more than 23 million people. The countries are often regarded as a whole, since they are very similar. They all have a solid parlamentary democracy, a fairly high standard of living and a certain level of social solidarity.
Culture, history and language have, from time immemorial, brought their inhabitants closer to one another. Still, every Nordic country has something unique in itself, in its historical background, and these characteristics give them their special profiles.The Nordic countries have a long tradition of democracy. They also have a tradition of popular enlightenment which is still today considered as a guarantee for democracy as it safeguards basic cultural values.
Discussion and dialogue are seen as important
The Nordic countries have a long time ago agreed upon the importance of discussion and dialogue where free and equal citizens are able to meet with the problems of their own time. They believe that living democracy is dependent on voluntary popular movements and the work of the non-governmental organisations.
In spite of an often dramatic history, the Nordic countries have reached the point of being able to foster differences whilst at the same time exercising a high degree of inter-Nordic cooperation. This cooperation consists of a number of official committees, steering groups and permanent institutions as well as informal contacts e.g. between different voluntary organisations.