The ABF staff of leaders is divided into two groups;
1 Are employed by ABF for a specific study circle for example English, Women’s rights and Weaving. These circles are advertised by ABF in the study program, ads and Webb-site. In Jämtland, the salary, in general, is 105 SEK/hour. (Participants pay a fee based on ABF’s expenses.)
2 Work on a voluntary base. They are either volunteer or chosen by their organisation/group. The majority are members in an ABF’s member organisation, which mostly makes their own study programs. (Participants only pay for material.)
When looking for a new leader (through advertisement or “coincidence”), ABF looks for four main qualifications;
* experience of working with people and knowledge of group process
* basic knowledge of the method of learning
* is familiar with, and interested in the subject
* has an understanding for the values of ABF
- sometimes specific skills are required due to the subject,
It is important to remember that the leader also is a member of the study circle not a teacher!
Leader training in three steps
It is important to ABF, that our leaders are familiar with ABF’s values as well as basic out look, and that they are good representatives for ABF’s organisation.
The ambition of ABF is that all leaders of study circles, will participate in a basic leader training program of 24 hrs (especially employed leaders), with focus on the following five issues;
* Adult Education, ABF’s history and organisation
* the role of the leader
* the process of learning
* the group process
* administration and routines
Stage two; is a training program with focus on method and pedagogic in Adult Education.
The training is free of charge, food and travel expenses are paid by ABF.
Leaders can also attend specialized training, for example “teaching a foreign language”.