Interview questions to Sturla Bjerkaker

1. You have received education at University of Norway in Social Sciences and Adult Education
issues, trained in management skills and NGO management. Probably as a young man you did
not think about adults in lifelong learning. What is your path to this and how has your thinking
changed on this issue?
2. VOFO is an NGO umbrella organization that brings together adult education institutions in
Norway, the members are 19 nationally recognized adult education associations with 438
members network. What other major NGO umbrella organizations are there in Norway and how
would you describe more precisely the role and activities of VOFO?

3.

When we read that VOFO aim is to lobby for adult education organizations in the country,
to promote non-formal education in the communities, to inform association members about
the changes in legislation in the field of adult education, to give advice and guidance on adult
learning education theory and practice, this seems to be a very broad range of issues and
activities. Please give some practical examples of some benefits, changes, projects that have
truly affected the adult education and the situation in the country over the years.

4. You've taken very high positions in your field: you have been the board member of Adult
Education Association and a board member of the International Council of Adult Education.
Currently you are employed as a Secretary General of Norwegian Adult Education Association.
Can you mention some concrete activities which you have introduced as the manager of these
organizations, which would most vividly describe your activities?
5. How did you come to study circle method? What are its advantages compared with other
training methods? How is this method adopted and implemented in Norway and Scandinavia?
6. You have also written a methodological material about the study circle method. You've also
written a methodological material about the study circle method. How was it evaluated among
the adult education practitioners?
7. What are your interests and activities, which you enjoy outside your work?
8. How do you see the role of NGOs in 5 years time and what will be your role in it?
9. How do you rate adult education in Latvia, if you have managed to get familiar with it?
10. What would you wish to the society of Latvia? And especially to seniors audience?

Questions prepared by: NGO Talent City

The project "Democratic study circles" (Project no. 2012.EEZ/DAP/MIC/076) is
supported by EEA Financial Mechanism under NGO support programs sub-project
scheme. The project is financially supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.