Exploring Sweden- my way!

Religion – Hanna gave us the insight on the religion in Sweden It was Bishop Angsor of Bremen who came with a zeal of converting Swedes to Christianity. When King Stenkil ascended to the throne in 1060 Christianity was firmly established throughout most of Sweden. Until 1996 all Swedes were born into the Lutheran faith - doctrine of the Church of Sweden. Swedes are characterized by a general confidence in values of liberty and a positive view of frankness, tolerance, trust, and respect for other people, according to a study carried out by Uppsala University. Sweden also shows the strongest support in the world for a democratic form of government. On the other hand, Swedes show weak support for values relating to religion, family, and national identity. But this is not to say that Swedes lack faith. They do visit Church on four occasions like baptism, confirmation, wedding(s) and funeral. Another reason Hanna felt for less interest of present generation in the religion is that it is invisible unlike in India, which is colorful and lively with rituals and festivals, which can be seen, felt and experience.

So the Churches are stuggling here to attract the crowd and now conduct programmes like concerts, which we were fortunate to experience. Vibha Algundgi has already given details about it in her blog.

Education- Our host arranged a school visit to Trädgårdsstadsskolals in Bortryka Municipality about which Kaushik Dessai wrote in his blog. Some more background about education in Sweden. Education Act, passed by the Swedish parliament includes basic goals and guidelines for preschool activities, childcare for schoolchildren, and compulsory and non- compulsory education. In 1991, the government handed over much of the responsibility for schools to the Municipal governments, which is based on the Swedish commitment to self-government and democracy. Citizens are close to the decision making process, giving them the opportunity to influence schools and adapt them to local needs. The Swedish Education Act states that all children and young people are to have equal access to education regardless of gender and origin. Schooling is free except for nursery and higher education. Children between six and twelve are offered daycare before and after school hours. Swedish law makes sure children are well protected and defends their rights. In 1979 Sweden became the first country to forbid beating or spanking children making it a criminal offence.

Senior high school or Gymnasium is non compulsory and also free of charge and runs for three years. Students can choose from 17 national programs (subjects) leading to study at colleges and universities comprising of eight core subjects like Swedish, English, math’s, science, social studies, religious studies, arts and crafts, physical education and health. Other subjects are child and recreation, electrical engineering, vehicle engineering, business and administration, handicrafts, industry, foods, media. Each child is allocated a comfortable ‘student salary’ as an outright grant regardless of the parents income. Every school/ gymnasium has its own canteen providing free unlimited lunch to the students.