The objective of non-formal adult education is, by taking a point of departure in the courses and activities, to increase the individual’s general and academic insight and skills and enhance the ability and desire to take responsibility for their own life, as well as taking an active and engaged part in society. The committee carries out administrative tasks such as making concrete decisions regarding, for example, non-formal adult education associations and their activity, assigns facilities and distributes grants. The local authority can appoint a non-formal adult education committee consisting of a minority elected by the local authority from among its members of the municipal council and a majority consisting of a broadly composed representation of users.
The local authority sets the financial framework and the rules for how it is to be administered. In 2008 there were approximately 16,500 associations, of which approximately 1,500 were in the field of non-formal adult education and 15,000 were voluntary associations. The private non-formal education activity must be established by a non-formal adult education association with a statute in order to be eligible for a grant and to be allocated facilities.
Private non-formal adult education activity is based on fellowship/community and the philosophy of the individual providers. Independent non-formal adult education activity
No particular school or professional qualifications are required for participating in liberal adult education.
The concept first arose in the 19th century and is one of the special features of the Danish education system.
Grundtvig, and his thoughts concerning free educational opportunities. The concept of Non-formal adult education is associated with the Danish philosopher, poet, educational thinker and clergyman, N.F.S.