The International Federation of Workers’ Education Associations (IFWEA) is a global federation of worker educators. We focus on adult education opportunities for workers and their communities. IFWEA is governed by worker associations, and is independent of governments, state institutions, political parties and employer organisations. Founded in 1947, IFWEA is the only international organisation for worker educator associations, and forms an integral part of the international labour movement. Our ethos as educators is not to concentrate on what is to be done, but on what must be learned, in order to formulate what is to be done.
About IFWEA
What is IFWEA?
Our purpose
To promote and advance the education of the democratic labour movement. To further free and voluntary education work according to the principles of solidarity and co-operation, justice and equality, democracy and freedom.
Who is IFWEA?
We are worker educators, providing education to trade unions (on a national, regional and global level) and member-based associations in worker communities. These associations include labour support NGOs; workers’ colleges; adult education units at universities which provide adult education on work/social issues; and community-based organisations dealing with class and work-related social issues. We have affiliates in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Nepal, New Zealand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, India, Cambodia, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela and the United States of America.
Why is IFWEA important?
For more than 70 years IFWEA has provided a global space for workers to share resources and deepen their understanding of the transformative role of trade union and community struggles. Workers’ education is based on the rights of adults to lifelong learning as a cornerstone of democracy. Working people need to stay abreast of current political trends, they need to use their political participation to maximum effect, they need to develop democratic worker organisations, and they need access to tools for education. We play a major role in promoting global solidarity through worker education.
Sharing digital skills
IFWEA and affiliates share democratic, participatory online communication and education skills that worker educators can practically use to connect with workers and communities. Digital learning offers the advantages of low costs and a wider audience.
How We Work
IFWEA’s highest decision making body is the International General Conference, which meets every four years and elects the General Secretary, President and Executive Committee. IFWEA held its 24th General Conference in Cape Town, South Africa in December 2023. IFWEA has a current membership drawn from countries in Europe, Asia/Pacific, Africa, the Middle East and North and South America. The IFWEA Secretariat is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and acts as a global hub. IFWEA’s website and Online Labour Academy (OLA) enable resources to be shared globally, while video conferencing facilities, internships and exchange visits promote universal democratic rights.
Global standing
IFWEA has observer status with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and shares mutual membership with SOLIDAR in Brussels, Belgium.