“IFWEA’s expertise and experience on workers’ education contributes to the pedagogical work of the mainstream international labor movement”
Interview with Orlando V. Quesada, IFWEA Asia-Pacific Coordinator

What do we need IFWEA for?

Basically IFWEA is a venue for various organizations and labor educators worldwide where the sharing of information, expertise, network and experiences on workers’ education are facilitated. It plays a very important role in the strengthening of national and international labor movements. IFWEA also provides its affiliates with international dimension and network it need especially in the light of the unfolding global issues confronting the working people. These are basically the reasons why memberships
are maintained in IFWEA and other groups apply for affiliation.

How do you see IFWEA as part of the international labor movement?

Firstly, IFWEA is the only organization in the international labor movement that has member trade unions, workers’ educational
associations (WEAs), labour support groups and NGOs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America and Europe. Secondly, its expertise and experience on workers’ education could greatly contribute in the pedagogical work of the mainstream international labor movement. Actually, many of its affiliates are currently cooperating with regional organizations of ICFTU and Global Union Federations.

Some IFWEA affiliates are trade unions, others are labour support groups or workers’ educational associations. To what extent is this diversity a problem?

This diversity in IFWEA membership is not a big problem. In fact, its broad spectrum of affiliation strengthens its workers’ education potentials. It has the grassroots experience of trade unions, technical capacities of labour support groups and pedagogical traditions of WEAs – an excellent combination in developing courses, modules and common activities on workers’ education. What needs to be strengthened though is the development of activities that would specifically focus on the concerns of the sub-groups (WEAs, labour support groups and trade unions) within IFWEA.

Are you optimistic for IFWEA’s future despite its challenges?

Yes. The reason for being and potentials IFWEA has as an international workers’ education federation can surely overcome both internal and external challenges it shall face in the next coming years. The organizational development and activities in the regions
shall be very crucial.

email to IFWEA Journal: Aslak.Leesland@aof.no