Cluster of Social Innovations / Klaster Innowacji Społecznych

Cluster of Social Innovations has specialized in modern and innovative non-formal education since 2015. Its activities reach children, youth, adults, and seniors. Non-formal education is a recognized and increasingly widespread approach to developing competences, learning about the world, others, and oneself. The emerging knowledge-based economy—built on information, innovation, and technological progress—creates new educational, social, economic, and political challenges. These can be addressed through non-formal education. Contemporary trends show a shift in emphasis from formal education, where knowledge is seen as objective, toward non-formal education. Learning outcomes acquired through non-formal education can be validated, accumulated, and transferred within the process of obtaining school or academic qualifications. In its educational activities, the Foundation uses advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, and Virtual Reality. The focus is on active learning, where students and seniors engage directly with real-life problems. From the beginning, the Foundation has emphasized lifelong learning, understood as all learning activities undertaken throughout life to improve knowledge, skills, or qualifications for personal, social, or professional reasons. The importance of such a policy is highlighted in the Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2008 on the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning. The document encourages all EU Member States to design and implement institutional solutions that support lifelong learning and promote “access to and participation in lifelong learning for all, including disadvantaged groups, as well as the use of qualifications.” The Foundation is active both in Poland and abroad. It cooperates with 50 partner organizations from other EU countries. These partnerships support knowledge transfer, staff exchange, international training for volunteers and beneficiaries, and the dissemination of science and its application beyond national borders. The Foundation is also involved in humanitarian projects for Ukraine and Armenia. It engages in activities related to public and patriotic diplomacy in alignment with the Polish national interest.