Human Values Foundation (HVF)
What is the Human Values Foundation?
The Human Values Foundation (HVF) is the publisher and promoter of values-based educational programmes. It was formed in 1995 to encourage, promote and develop human values among young people through its educational programmes, publications, exhibitions, conferences and staff exploration sessions. The HVF is a non-denominational and independent body, which does not represent or work on behalf of any particular religion or spiritual interest. It is a registered charity and a private company, limited by guarantee. The HVF enjoys close links with national education bodies in the UK.
Our Vision
Our vision is that young people among all sections of the community, both in the UK and also overseas, will imbibe and practise human values so as to become responsible, happy, fulfilled members of society and aspire to human excellence.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop, promote and encourage an uplifting education process, especially among young people, teachers and those who look after children. We provide universal resources that foster lasting, life enriching values, which contribute to an integrated, ethical, moral, emotional, social and spiritual education.
Our Strategy
- To produce and promote throughout the world, two related, user-friendly programmes called, "Education in Human Values" (EHV) for 5 to 12 year olds and "Social and Emotional Education" (SEE) for 12 to 14+ year olds. Both programmes are universal, non-denominational and are derived from the insights of great philosophers and thinkers. They are based on the fundamental belief that all people are intrinsically worthy and want to live happily in a safe, secure environment.
- To support schools, parents, carers and educationists that are implementing our programmes through courses, conferences, exhibitions and publications.
- To inspire young people to develop self-esteem, become motivated, creative and organised so that they find a purpose in life; live in harmony with others; show compassion and respect; develop discernment; are open to new and different ideas and co-operate with others. We aim to help young people to realise that human values are our ZEST for life and that we are what we value and express our priorities through our values. In offering resources to nurture these skills, we help to bring about an emotional and social well-being, benefiting not only those actively practising the values but the wider community too.
- To assist teachers to develop and enhance the quality of the education process and enrich the experiences of the children they teach. This in turn contributes to the general community.
- To help everyone recognise that human values lie at the heart of a school's vision of itself as a small community; to assist schools to develop the ETHOS that human values help us to uphold the highest ideals to which human beings can aspire, or as one pupil said, "They help me to be the best person I can possibly be"
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