About Paideia folkhögskola

Welcome to Paideia folkhögskola – A Place of Learning and Creativity

In the heart of Stockholm, Paideia folkhögskola is a unique meeting place where learning, thinking and creativity are in focus. Everyone is welcome here, regardless of background, culture or beliefs. We strive to contribute to the open conversation about society, religion and culture – issues that affect us all.

Paideia Folkhögskola is a civic educational institute with a distinctive Jewish cultural profile and the overall objective is to give a civic education, in addition to enhancing and developing each individual’s personal growth and resources. A “Folkhögskola” is a uniquely Nordic concept, inherently difficult to translate. We have chosen the term “Cultural College”.  The first cultural colleges in Sweden were established in 1868, and there are currently 156 colleges in Sweden, forming an established part of the Swedish educational system. In 2019 Paideia completed a three-year process to become a fully independent cultural college. 

Strengthening Jewish Education

Our unique profile courses focus on Jewish education. With a pluralistic perspective on the Jewish tradition of ideas, we work to inspire and strengthen Jewish life and culture in Sweden. Our courses offer a deep dive into topics central to Jewish culture and tradition, allowing us to create a stronger foundation for the Jewish lives of future generations.

A Curious Learning Environment

Our aim is to provide a community-oriented and cultural education. We also want to support each individual’s personal development and abilities. Our dedicated teachers create a safe and curious environment where participants can grow and develop. Our general course has an open and inclusive study environment where all religions are studied and respected.

An inspiring place in Stockholm

Paideia folkhögskola is located in beautiful premises in the heart of Stockholm. This gives our participants the opportunity to take part in the city’s rich cultural life, including study visits to museums, film screenings, theater performances and exciting collaborations. Here, every day is a chance to explore and learn – both inside and outside the classroom.

At Paideia folkhögskola, we look forward to welcoming you to our community. No matter where you come from, you are always welcome to participate in our learning. Together, we create a forum for the exchange of ideas and grow as individuals and a community.

Governance of Paideia folkhögskola

Paideia folkhögskola is governed by a board where both participants and staff are represented.

The members of the board are: 

Lena Posner-Körösi, chair
Gabriel Urwitz
Gunnar Wohlin
Åke Larsson
Fabian Arnheim
Noa Hermele, Rector

You can reach the Board at styrelsen@paideiafolkhogskola.se.

“Jewish knowledge is and has always been the key to strengthening Jewish identity. Through Paideia folkhögskolas collaboration with Kista folkhögskola, we are launching a unique model for how two minority groups can also contribute to a better society through study and discussion”
Lena Posner-Körösi, chair of Paideia folkhögskola.

Collaborations

Paideia folkhögskola is Sweden’s first folkhögskola with a Jewish profile. We have a unique collaboration with Kista folkhögskola, which is Sweden’s only folkhögskola with a Muslim profile. The collaboration between a Jewish and a Muslim folkhögskola has a great symbolic value that conveys that different minorities can meet and work together. 

Paideia folkhögskola is a partner institution of Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden. We collaborate with the House of Israeli Culture in Stockholm, the Institute for Language and Folklore, the Yiddish Society in Stockholm, the Jewish Community in Stockholm, the Jewish Community in Gothenburg, the Jewish Museum, the Jewish Genealogical Society in Sweden, the Jewish Chronicle, the Swedish Klezmer Society, the Swedish Yiddish Association and the Swedish Holocaust Museum.