The fearless defender of Sivistys

The Lifelong Learning Foundation sr. (Kansanvalistusseura sr., the Kvs Foundation) is a non-affiliated organisation with a focus on lifelong learning and the concept of Sivistys.

With lifelong learning, we mean coming together to educate ourselves in order to take care of each other and the environment.

As fearless defenders of Sivistys, we also promote enlightenment and adult education. Learn more about the concept of Sivistys.

Established in 1874, the Kvs Foundation is the oldest foundation dedicated to Sivistys in Finland.

Current topics

We publish two online media on learning that are open to everyone: the peer-reviewed Aikuiskasvatus – Journal of Adult Education (in Finnish) and ELM Magazine, the English-language magazine on adult education. In addition, the Lifelong Learning Foundation hosts the communication unit of EAEA, the European Association for the Education of Adults, under an agreement, and we have secured funding for it from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture.

We also publish a blog (in Finnish) called Sivistyksen pelottomat, which uses both analysis and attitude to put thoughts about everyday life and Sivistys under daring scrutiny.

Advocacy

We reinforce inclusion and create new opportunities for meeting both face-to-face and online.

Learning

We operate as an expert community in the fields of liberal education, lifelong learning and adult education.

Innovations

The goal of our innovation is to develop liberal education, lifelong learning and new practices in line with the Foundation’s strategy. We work in close co-operation with innovation companies and innovation developers.

Our development work follows our values: we create new solutions and opportunities for a dialogue, promote equality in learning and question established practices.

Explore our upcoming events!

We operate as an expert community in the fields of liberal education, lifelong learning and adult education. Together with our partners, we develop lifelong learning solutions. While promoting learning through life, we aim to establish a dialogue between the different actors.