AOF IN ENGLISH

AOF (Workers’ Educational Association - WEA) is a part of the Danish adult education system.

AOF is one of the largest associations within this field of adult education in Denmark. As the name indicates AOF is part of the Danish labour movement, which in 1924 formed AOF in co-operation with the Danish Social Democratic Party.

Adult education in Denmark is expected to aim at the development of both personal, vocational and social qualifications and competencies. AOF therefore provides adult education within the concept of “folkeoplysning” which is based on the above mentioned expectations and thus on the Danish cultural and educational tradition. “Folkeoplysning” is a unique concept. This term refers to adult education in its broadest sense, with less emphasis on vocational training and more emphasis on non-formal education and learning. Freedom is a very important element in “folkeoplysning” and it creates ability to assume self-administration and responsibility which again is very necessary for the democratic Danish system of society. “Folkeoplysning” is thus an important part of the whole “lifelong learning idea."


AOF Denmark
AOF Denmark serves as national office of approx. 100 local AOF branches. Most of them provide leisure time training i.e. evening and week-end courses, study circles and lectures.

AOF Evening Schools
The main courses offered by evening schools are within the following subjects:

Foreign languages
Social science
Creative arts
Music
Information Technology
Health related subjects

AOF also arranges meetings, exhibitions, debates, culture trips and conferences.

Cultural activities
AOF co-operates with the Danish trade unions on providing cultural activities with the aim to give a large proportion of the Danish population access to cultural experiences like:

Culture cafés
Choir meetings
Family history courses
Singing and musical groups
Orchestras
Revue and debate theatre groups

Day time training
Many of the local AOF branches offer non-formal training during the day time. These institutions are called Day Folk High Schools and their target group is mainly unemployed people who need to upgrade their qualifications. The training methods create personal development, sense of community, ability to take responsibility for their own lives, taking part in democracy, and becoming an active citizen. In this way the activities of AOF Day Folk High Schools are intended to start a learning process which boosts the self-esteem and quality of life of the participants, and prevents social marginalisation.

Immigrant Education
AOF also provide immigrant education either as full-time or part-time courses. The courses consist of Danish lessons as well as social and cultural training for immigrants and refugees.AOF arrange training  which contributes to equality and diversity. One of the most successful ways to do so is organising activities in which Danes and immigrants/refugees meet to discuss and enjoy each others company.

Basic Skills and the Labour Market
There are constant demands on people’s qualifications. AOF provides adult education which meets the demands of the labour market. AOF improves the qualifications of adults with a low level of educational attainment by setting up basic skills training.


Education for private and public companies
As the qualifications of employed people become rapidly outdated, because of new technology, there is an increased need for adult education and continuing training.
AOF co-ordinates continuing training for employees in private companies as well as for employees in the public sector.


International co-operation:
AOF's international activities are just as multiple as AOF's national and local activities.

AOF's international work consists of EU projects and Nordic development networks and development of adult education in the 3rd world.