Throughout history, education has been shaped by individuals who dared to think differently — who saw learning not as a rigid system, but as a living, breathing process that could transform lives and societies. These visionaries challenged conventions, embraced creativity and redefined the role of education in fostering personal growth, social justice and democracy.
This section celebrates the thinkers, reformers, and educators whose ideas have inspired the core principles of folk high schools and popular education. From the groundbreaking philosophies of N.F.S. Grundtvig, the father of the folk high school movement, to contemporary advocates for lifelong learning, these figures have left an indelible mark on how we understand the purpose of education. Their legacies remind us that education is more than knowledge transfer — it is a journey of empowerment, connection and collective progress. Explore their stories, ideas and the enduring impact they have on the way we learn today.
The father of Folk High Schools
The voice of critical pedagogy
This section will be updated with more pioneers over time. Please check back later.