I'm passionate about liberal education and more collaborations!

As the new principal of the citizens' educational institute Medis, Catharina von Schoultz wants to develop non-formal education, create new collaborations and attract more people to the courses. At the same time, she is in the process of settling into her new life in Åland after moving from Porvoo and Porvoo Folk Academy.

Roots in Åland

Catharina has her roots in Åland. Her father is from here and she has spent many of her summers and holidays here.

– My husband and I now own my paternal grandparents' house in Finström. So the idea of moving here has always been there, but perhaps not until we retired?

When the position of principal at Medis was advertised for the first time, the dream suddenly became more real.

– At that point it was too early, but when the position was advertised again about a year later, I applied and got it. My husband is also very fond of Åland. In fact, it was almost him and our adult children, all three of whom now live here, who were the most encouraging.

Balance in life

Before the move, there was some nervousness. Would Åland be just as wonderful to live in year-round as during the summer? That concern turned out to be unfounded.

– There is a lot of talk about quality of life in Åland and it really is true. Here there are shorter distances, a calmer pace and more balance and time for life.

Having grown up in Berlin and being used to living in larger cities and in various places around the world, Catharina particularly appreciates the fresh air and closeness to nature.

– Åland is anything but a dog-eat-dog society. You notice it already in the atmosphere at the checkout queue – it's not rushed and people have time to talk to each other.

Important to reach out

Work-wise, there has been a lot to get acquainted with, but Catharina feels that the reception has been open and positive.

– I have been warmly welcomed, but it has required a lot of work. Here, my professional and life experience has been a great advantage, and having a connection to Åland has also opened many doors.

Medis' operations are funded by the regional government and Åland's 16 municipalities in order to keep participant fees as low as possible. The idea is that all residents should have access to and the financial means for non-formal education and lifelong learning. Since non-formal education is not regulated by law, its operations become particularly vulnerable when municipalities are forced to prioritise more strictly.

– We are Medis for all of Åland, and it is important that we reach out and explain what we do and why it is meaningful, even if our courses are not degree-granting and the results are difficult to measure.

The feedback from participants is, however, clear. The courses contribute not only to knowledge but also to creativity, community, wellbeing and the opportunity to discover new interests.

– And how do you measure that?

Swedish for immigrants

A particularly important mission is the SFI courses, Swedish for immigrants. These contribute not only to language skills but also to integration and social community.

– Here, non-formal education is a fantastic tool. Integration is at least as much about creating connections and pathways into the community as it is about learning the language.

All SFI participants therefore have the opportunity to participate free of charge in a Medis course in a subject of their choice.

– There they can meet people from Åland and speak Swedish in an area they themselves are interested in.

Focusing on collaboration

It is also important to find a balance in relation to other providers. Medis does not engage in competing activities but is meant to serve as a complement or a low-threshold gateway. Catharina emphasises the importance of collaborating with others.

– With us you can be a beginner and try new things. Then perhaps you continue further in an association or elsewhere. I am very collaboration-oriented – it's more fun and produces better results!

Catharina is eager to initiate more collaborations and encourages others to get in touch. This can involve anything from further education and lectures to joint courses or advocacy work together with private individuals or actors in the private and public sectors, associations and other non-formal education providers.

– I hope more people see Medis' strengths and view us as a collaborative partner. We already have established structures that can be used across many different areas. For example, we can handle the administrative side while an association contributes with expertise on the content.

Next in line are collaborations with both Ålands Radio and Oasen housing and care centre.

– Our teachers travel to Oasen and teach there, so that those who can no longer get to course venues also have access to lifelong learning – that right should apply throughout one's entire life.

A meeting place for everyone

Medis arranges annually more than 7,500 lessons in everything from languages, ceramics, art and exercise to newer offerings such as improvisational theatre, role-playing and topical lectures.

– In addition to the opportunity to try something new without pressure, non-formal education is a meeting place that transcends all boundaries and contributes to the wellbeing of our participants. For my own part, the work is both multifaceted and meaningful – that is probably why I am truly passionate about it, says Catharina.