International Federation of Workers' Educational Associations (IFWEA)
Website: http://www.ifwea.org/
Category: Education
Year of Foundation: 1947
Location of Foundation: London, UK
Location of Headquarters: Cape Town, South Africa
Brief Description: The International Federation of Workers' Educational Associations describes itself as 'the international organisation responsible for the development of workers' education. It brings together national and international trade unions, workers' education associations, NGOs and foundations engaged in the provision of adult education opportunities for workers and the communities in which they live throughout the world.' (Source: www.ifwea.org; accessed 13 April 2010).
Founding Rationales:
In 1943, the British Workers' Educational Association (WEA) espressed 'the view that as part of post-war policy in defeated and occupied countries working-class organisations similar in type to the WEA should be reconstructed where they have been destroyed by anti-democratic forces, and everywhere encouraged and developed.'
The initial objectives of international federation appear to have included exchanging publications, programmes and lists of books, films and exhibitions of interest; international residential education; joint summer schools; and facilitating travel contacts; as well as the core goal of establishing new Workers' Educational Associations.
Source: 'Minutes of Conference of 20-21 October 1945, London', International Federation of Workers' Educational Associations Collection, TUC Library, London.
Evolution of Membership (countries with members):
Sources: YIO; www.ifwea.org (accessed 13 April 2010).