NBV is a politically independent and religiously neutral non-profit organization whose mission is to bridge the educational gap and promote democracy, culture, and healthy living.
The core activity of NBV is "non-formal adult education." Unlike formal education at schools or universities, this refers to a form of education where citizens choose their own topics and learn together. Representative examples include book clubs where people read and discuss books, language exchange groups, and activities such as music, cooking, and crafts.
An NBV representative stated, "NBV's core philosophy is for participants to become the main actors in their own education, freely choosing topics and engaging in discussions. Voluntary participation, free from government control, is a hallmark of NBV."
All NBV programs are operated on a non-profit basis. Thanks to the participation of numerous civic groups and volunteer leaders, as well as public financial support, participation is free. This ensures that anyone, regardless of socio-economic background, has access to educational opportunities.
In Sweden, informal adult education is considered more than just a leisure activity; it's a place where citizens learn about social responsibility and the values of democracy through discussion and collaboration. NBV, guided by the philosophy that "people grow not alone, but together," strives to strengthen civic capacity through learning.
NBV's learning topics are open-ended. They can cover anything that interests participants, including arts and culture, health, the environment, and social issues. Furthermore, NBV offers in-person, online, and blended learning, minimizing constraints of time and space.
The National Board of Education (NBV) is one of Sweden's leading learning organizations, and, along with ABF and Sensus, forms part of Sweden's lifelong learning system. These organizations practice the values of democracy and equality within civil society and serve as a crucial foundation for Swedish social development.
On its official website, the NBV states its mission as "making learning opportunities open to everyone," encouraging more citizens to participate in free and equal learning.
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