Our History
From Vision to Movement
The story of the Humanistic School – a journey that began with an idea and today connects families in Switzerland and Thailand.
«Every child comes into the world with a mission. Our task is to give them the space to discover it.
»
Shalva Amonashvili – Founder of Modern Humane Pedagogy
Milestones
Our Journey
In August, Natalia and Kevin Huber travel to Georgia, where they meet Paata Amonashvili and Shalva Amonashvili in person. The exchange in Mzianeti provides decisive impulses and strengthens the vision of a humanistic school in Switzerland.
A significant meeting with the Tibetan Head Monk takes place in Lucerne. The spiritual exchange enriches the pedagogical vision and underscores the deep connection between mindfulness, compassion and humanistic education.
Visit of Alexei Babajanz in Lucerne
In April 2025, Alexei Babajanz, one of the most renowned humanistic educators of the 21st century and long-standing lecturer at the Academy for Humane Pedagogy according to Shalva Amonashvili, visits the Humanistic School Switzerland in Lucerne. The exchange with this international expert in values-based education strengthens the pedagogical vision and international networking of the school.
In June 2025, the first course of the Humanistic School Switzerland is successfully conducted. Speaker Viktoria Bak, pedagogue and Vice President of the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Association for Humane Pedagogy, travels from abroad especially for this milestone event.
Pavel Kraemer, Viktoria Bak, Marina Chayka and Kevin Huber meet at the library of the Humanistic School Switzerland in Lucerne. Collaboration with international educators is deepened and new projects are initiated.
Several live courses on various topics of humanistic pedagogy are successfully conducted. Demand grows steadily and the community of participants continues to expand.
In November 2024, the resolution for entry into the Commercial Register is passed, initiating preparations for the later planned conversion into a foundation. An important step towards institutional anchoring of the organisation.
Two card sets on humanistic education are published. The impulse cards offer parents and educators practical suggestions for everyday life and make the principles of Humane Pedagogy tangible.
In March, the new website of the Humanistic School goes live. With a comprehensive course offering, clear donation goals and a distinct mission, the school now reaches people worldwide.
A free e-book with 33 practical everyday tips for parents and families is published. This accessible introduction to humanistic education can be applied immediately in daily life.
The collected research results are published, providing scientific evidence that children raised with a humanistic approach grow up happier and more resilient.
Two new books are released: Mindfulness – Meditation for Families and The Gratitude Book for Children and Families. Practical guides helping families integrate mindfulness and gratitude into daily life.
On March 19, 2026, the Humanistic School Switzerland association is officially registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Lucerne (UID: CHE-172.439.111). A significant milestone for the legal foundation of our non-profit educational mission. The association promotes humanistic values through education and supports the establishment of schools – denominationally and politically neutral.
In April 2026, the Humanistic School Switzerland welcomes Dr. Christoph Meister, an experienced educator and lecturer, to its Advisory Board. Dr. phil. Meister looks back on over 35 years of service in the Zurich secondary school system and, as a classical grammar school teacher specialising in German and the Humanities, brings great enrichment to the school's pedagogical direction.
Official EUDEC Member
In April 2026, the Humanistic School Switzerland becomes an official member of the European Democratic Education Community (EUDEC). As part of a network of over 200 schools and organisations across Europe, this membership strengthens our connection to the international democratic education movement and underlines our commitment to self-directed, respectful learning.
Professor Olena Gladka Joins the Team
In May 2026, Professor Olena Gladka officially joins the pedagogical team of the Humanistic School Switzerland. As an experienced lecturer specialising in humanistic education, she brings international perspectives and innovative teaching concepts. Her expertise strengthens the academic quality and international networking of our educational initiative.
Expansion to Kosovo & the Balkans
The Humanistic School Switzerland expands its reach into the Albanian-speaking world. The Kosovo & Balkans project makes humanistic education accessible to children and families in Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia – in partnership with local education stakeholders.
Winter School Phuket Concept
The idea of a Winter School in Phuket, Thailand, takes shape. From November to February, children and families from Switzerland and Europe will have the opportunity to experience humanistic education in an international setting – with nature, culture and holistic learning.
Trigger Short Courses Launched
The Humanistic School launches a new course format: Trigger Short Courses (30–90 minutes). These practical courses help parents master typical trigger situations in everyday family life – from tantrums to sibling conflicts to screen time. Immediately applicable strategies for daily life.
Project Launch: Inklusion Schweiz
With the project inklusion-schweiz.org, the Humanistic School advocates for people with hidden disabilities. The sunflower lanyard as an international symbol raises awareness of invisible conditions such as ADHD, autism, chronic pain or depression. Education, support and inclusive workplaces are the focus.
First Free Course on the New Law
The Humanistic School Switzerland becomes the first educational institution in Switzerland to offer a completely free online course on the new child protection law (Art. 302 ZGB, effective 1 July 2026). The 9-module course «Non-violent Parenting in Switzerland» teaches parents and professionals the new law, scientific foundations and practical strategies – in 6 languages, free of charge and immediately accessible.
Quiz & Play Area for Children
The Humanistic School launches an interactive quiz and play area for children. Through playful engagement, children discover humanistic values such as empathy, respect and mindfulness – through age-appropriate quizzes, creative tasks and lovingly designed games. Learning should bring joy.
Collaboration with TreeoL Publishing – Spuki Children's Stories
The Humanistic School Switzerland enters a collaboration with TreeoL Publishing. Together, the children's stories about the little dragon Spuki (spuki.world) are developed and published. The stories convey humanistic values such as compassion, courage and mindfulness in a child-friendly and imaginative way – a valuable contribution to early childhood values education.
MIGROS Kulturprozente supports the Spuki Learning Portal
MIGROS Kulturprozente supports the Spuki Learning Portal of the Humanistic School Switzerland. This funding enables the further development of the digital learning portal around the little dragon Spuki – an important milestone for spreading humanistic values in early childhood education.
The Journey Continues
We are just at the beginning. With every new member, every course and every child we accompany, our movement grows – for an education that puts people at the centre.