EDUCATION
Education
Shapes Humanity.
Education is the lifelong process of awakening wisdom, courage and compassion. It empowers people not only to fulfil their own potential, but also to create lasting value in the lives of others and contribute to a more peaceful world.
-Dr Daisaku Ikeda
The SGI View
on Education
Education at its best is a process of liberation from prejudice, which frees the human heart from mits violent passions. It is through education that young people can be delivered from powerlessness, from the burden of mistrust directed against them-selves. And those who have learnt to trust in themselves are then naturally able to believe in the intent capabilities of others.”
Dr Daisaku Ikeda
For Dr Ikeda, education began with a profound respect for the dignity of life. It was not simply about preparing people for careers or examinations – it was about nurturing individuals who possess the wisdom to think independently, the courage to act with conviction and the compassion to contribute to the happiness of others.
Tsunesaburo
Makiguchi
VISION
Josei
Toda
REVIVAL
Daisaku
Ikeda
GLOBAL REACH
Value-Creating
Education
The philosophy of Value-Creating Education traces its origins to educator Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, whose belief that education should enable people to create value profoundly influenced his successors, Josei Toda and Dr Daisaku Ikeda.
Rather than measuring success only through academic achievement, this philosophy encourages every individual to develop their unique potential, build meaningful relationships and contribute positively to society.
For Dr.Ikeda, creating value meant creating happiness – for oneself, for others and for the wider community.
Did You Know?
Soka derives from the Japanese words Kachi Sozo, meaning Value Creation.
Education in Action
Culture in Action
Ikeda believed that education extends far beyond schools and universities.
Through dialogue, cultural exchange, publications, exhibitions and community initiatives, SGI seeks to create opportunities where people can continue learning throughout their lives.
Whether encouraging young people to discover their purpose or bringing diverse communities together through dialogue, every initiative reflects one belief:
Education should awaken the humanity within us.
A Global Legacy of
Humanistic Education
Over decades, Daisaku Ikeda engaged in dialogue with educators, philosophers, scientists and world leaders across continents, exploring how education can build cultures of peace.
His efforts inspired the establishment of humanistic educational institutions, generated hundreds of published dialogues and earned more than 400 honorary academic recognitions from institutions across over 60 countries.
Together, they represent not recognition of an individual, but a growing global movement for value-creating education.
60+
Countries
engaged through dialogue and collaboration
100s
of dialogues
engaged through dialogue and collaboration
400+
Honorary recognitions
engaged through dialogue and collaboration
Education
Events
Learning flourishes through shared experience.
Discover conferences, exhibitions, workshops and public forums where educators, students and communities come together to exchange ideas, inspire dialogue and create value.
Nurturing
the Next Generation
Josei Toda often reminded his disciples that the future of humanity rests in the hands of young people.
Building on that vision, Ikeda consistently encouraged youth to become protagonists of peace—individuals who possess not only knowledge, but the courage and compassion to transform their communities.
SGI’s Future Division creates opportunities for children and young adults to grow with confidence, responsibility and respect for the dignity of life.
Books That Continue
the Dialogue
Books have always been central to Ikeda’s educational philosophy. His writings invite readers to reflect on the challenges of our times while discovering the possibilities that lie within every individual.
- The World Is Yours to Change
- Al-Fatihah
- Keefah
Reflections
Explore essays, interviews and stories that examine education through the lens of hope, dialogue and human transformation.
Read how individuals across the world continue to discover new possibilities through the practice of value-creating education.
Every Person Can
Create Value.
Whether you’re discovering humanistic education for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding, we invite you to continue the journey with us.