Kansanvalistusseura sr – The Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation (Kvs)

Who we are?

Kansanvalistusseura (Kvs), The Finnish Lifelong Learning Foundation supports learning and builds a society of learners by offering expertise and services. The foundation, established in 1874, is a politically and religiously detached organisation that cooperates with a wide variety of adult education stakeholders in Finland and internationally.

Kvs’ activities include communication and publishing, education, media literacy and international cooperation.

Kvs seeks to influence education policies to fortify (non-formal) adult education in Finnish society. This advocacy work is carried out through statements, lobbying and information activities. Kvs supports the work of education professionals and adult education institutions and produces learning services.

The foundation promotes a society that values education. It aims at creating good conditions for learning, self-development, prevention of social exclusion and active citizenship. It emphasizes the intrinsic value of learning and promotes a broad understanding of education.

What we do?

• Publishing

  • Kvs is the publisher of peer reviewed Adult Education journal Aikuiskasvatus, and Elm Magazine, a free European online media on lifelong learning.

• International cooperation and projects

  • Communications of EAEA. Kvs takes care of many communications tasks for EAEA with the funding support from the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland.
  • International and domestic projects and networks. Kvs cooperates with many educational institutions, developing new solutions and innovations in the field of adult learning and education.

• Education and training

  • Kvs operates the Southern Helsinki Adult Education Centre (Etelä-Helsingin kansalaisopisto) which offers a variety of  courses and provides lifelong learning in the heart of Helsinki.
  • Kvs operates Kulkuri School of Distance Education for Finnish children living abroad

Best practices

• Live and Learn videos: audiovisual stories of adult learning.
• Media Guide: an online guide on media literacy, journalism and media ethics
• Reporters’ Guide: an online guide on how to write and read about developing countries in the media.
• Science Centre for Education and Learning Soppi