Norway Debates Future of Folk High Schools as Documentary highlights Their Impact
A new documentary, spotlighting Norwegian folk high schools, arrives as the government considers changes to a system that supports access to these unique educational institutions. The debate centers on whether to redirect university request points currently awarded to folk high school graduates-two points-exclusively to those completing military service, in a move intended to bolster army recruitment. concurrently, a reduction in scholarship support for folk high school students, from 40% to 15% of the study loan, is under discussion.
These potential shifts have prompted a five-year research project by the Norwegian research center Norce to assess whether the changes would diminish a vital tool for social inclusion.”Like many countries across the globe, we have a growing problem with young people who are losing trust in society, and fall out of work,” explains senior researcher Vigdis Sveinsdottir. “And in a world where there’s great emphasis on individualism, folk high schools stress community and social interaction in a way that frequently enough goes under the radar in mainstream education.”
The documentary follows students at a folk high school in the far north of Norway,where activities range from wilderness survival to dog-handling. One student, Hege, experiences a transformative year, though her return home is met with renewed challenges, ultimately leading her to pursue training as a dog handler in the arctic region.
Directors suggest the value of folk high schools lies not in preparing students for technological advancement-“They’re definitely not better at managing ChatGPT or using AI”-but in fostering resilience and character. “They’re better equipped to be decent human beings who can maybe not shrink under pressure in the future,” says director Ewing.
