SEVE Suisse

What SEVE Suisse does

SEVE Suisse (Association SEVE Suisse) is a Lausanne-based, Swiss non-profit association founded in 2016 and registered under articles 60 and following of the Swiss Civil Code (IDE CHE-427.662.578). It operates as the Swiss Romandie chapter of the international SEVE network founded in France in 2015 by philosopher Frédéric Lenoir and Martine Roussel-Adam. Its mission is to develop "Savoir-Être et Vivre Ensemble" in children and adolescents by combining two complementary practices — Pratique de l'Attention (a non-religious mindfulness/attention exercise) and Pratique du Dialogue Philosophique (structured facilitator-led philosophical inquiry) — inside workshops delivered in schools, parascholastic structures, and cultural institutions. The approach is mapped onto the official Plan d'Etudes Romand (PER) and structured around three pedagogical modules: PAP (philosophical dialogue practice), RBEAR (benevolent relationship with children, adolescents and group leaders) and PA (attention practice).

The organization operates a tiered training ecosystem that produces certified facilitators (animateur·trices): a sensitivity weekend (CHF 300, or CHF 200 per person for pairs), the foundational Parcours SEVE N1 (CHF 1,200; 4 weekends + 1 Zoom + 3 practice animations, held at Château de Prangins), the Certification N2 (CHF 2,000; one-year advanced program), continuing-education modules (CHF 150–200 per day with a CHF 50 member discount), and an institutional Formation en Institution offering a 5-day plus 3-Zoom program for groups of 8–20. Across 8 years of operation, SEVE Suisse reports 4,300+ workshops, 20,900+ children reached, 400+ trained animateur·trices, and 13 completed N1 cohorts.

Revenue is generated through four streams: per-workshop fees (CHF 120), training and certification fees (CHF 300–2,000), annual memberships (CHF 100/year, including voting rights and training discounts), and donations via TWINT or bank transfer. The association is funded and governed without external equity; partners include foundations (Fondation Didier et Martine Primat, Fondation Inspir', Ladies'Lunch Lausanne, Voix Libres), schools (Collège Champittet, Ecole La Découverte, Ecole Steiner Bois-Genoud, pop e poppa) and named personalities (Frédéric Lenoir co-founder, Alexandre Jollien godfather, Marianne Sébastien godmother). A core team of approximately 10 staff and volunteers runs operations, supplemented by expert trainers (Eric Suarez PhD, Fabrice Dini, Marjorie Gracieuse) and an active program of public events for community building, including the 2026 "10 ans 10 événements" 10th-anniversary series.

Name

SEVE Suisse

Legal name

Association SEVE Suisse

Website

https://sevesuisse.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SEVE Suisse is a Lausanne-based Swiss non-profit association that delivers mindfulness and philosophical-dialogue workshops to children and adolescents in schools across Swiss Romandie, supported by a tiered facilitator training program (N1, N2, continuing education, institutional) and funded through workshop fees, memberships, training fees, and donations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social-Emotional and Philosophical Education for Children

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

School-Based SEL Curriculum & Instructional Programs (EDAKAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Staff Training, Coaching & Professional Development (SEL/Mental Health) (EDAKAMAL), Mindfulness, Stress Management & Resilience Training (EDAMAIAD)

Keywords

• Social-emotional learning
• Philosophy workshops children
• Mindfulness education programs
• Facilitator training certification
• Nonprofit education association

Headquarters

HQ city

Lausanne

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Workshop fees: SEVE Suisse charges 120 CHF per workshop delivered in schools and educational institutions. Workshops are funded through school budgets, institutional partnerships, or private donations (donors can 'offer' a workshop to a school). This is a per-transaction revenue model based on workshop delivery by certified facilitators.
2. Membership subscriptions: Annual membership fee of 100 CHF. Members receive preferential pricing on continuing education (50 CHF reduction per training), reserved access to events, and voting rights at the Annual General Assembly. This is a recurring subscription revenue stream.
3. Training and certification fees: SEVE Suisse generates revenue through tiered training programs: Parcours SEVE (N1) full training at 1,200 CHF, sensitivity weekend at 300 CHF (or 200 CHF per person for pairs), Certification (N2) at 2,000 CHF, and various continuing education courses (150–200 CHF per day). Training in institutions is also offered (5-day program).
4. Donations and free-will contributions: SEVE Suisse accepts donations at flexible amounts. The association emphasizes that bank transfers are preferred so that 100% of contributions benefit the organization, suggesting donations are an important supplementary revenue stream.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SEVE Suisse delivers philosophy and mindfulness workshops (Ateliers SEVE) for children and adolescents in schools, parascholastic, and cultural institutions across Swiss Romandie. Each workshop combines 3-5 minutes of attention/mindfulness practice with structured philosophical dialogue led by a trained facilitator. The organization also operates a tiered facilitator training ecosystem — sensitivity weekend, Parcours N1 (foundational, 1,200 CHF), Certification N2 (advanced, 2,000 CHF), Formation Continue (continuing education), and Formation en Institution (5-day institutional training) — and accepts annual memberships (100 CHF) and donations.

Product overview

SEVE Suisse is a non-profit association offering philosophy and mindfulness workshops for children and adolescents. The core offering consists of SEVE workshops combining attention practice and philosophical dialogue, supported by a tiered training ecosystem: the Parcours (N1) foundational training, Certification (N2) advanced program, Formation Continue ongoing education, and Formation en Institution for institutional clients. All offerings center on developing critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and social skills in young people.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ateliers SEVE (SEVE Workshops) Philosophy and mindfulness workshops for children and adolescents combining 3-5 minutes of attention/mindfulness practice with structured philosophical dialogue. Delivered by certified animateur·trices in schools, parascholastic structures, and cultural institutions across Swiss Romandie. Priced at 120 CHF per workshop session. Aligned with the Plan d'Etudes Romand (PER) educational framework.
• Parcours SEVE (Niveau 1) Foundation training program (4 weekends + 1 zoom session + 3 animation/observation practice sessions) preparing adults to lead SEVE workshops. Covers philosophical dialogue facilitation, mindful attention practice, and benevolent relationship building. Follows the prerequisite sensitivity weekend. Priced at 1,200 CHF. Held at Château de Prangins.
• Certification SEVE (Niveau 2) One-year advanced certification program for experienced animateur·trices requiring minimum 10 workshop animations, 3 training days, phone evaluations, and video submissions. Graduates become SEVE-mandated facilitators eligible to be paid to deliver workshops. Priced at 2,000 CHF.
• Formation Continue (Continuing Education) Continuing professional development offerings for certified or in-training animateur·trices, covering three complementary one-day modules: Pratique de l'Attention (PA), Pratique d'Ateliers de Philosophie (PAP), and Relation Bienveillante (RBEAR). Priced at 150-200 CHF per day, with 50 CHF member discount. On-site supervision also available at 150 CHF.
• Formation en Institution Customized 5-day training program plus 3 evening Zoom sessions for institutions to train 8-20 staff members in SEVE methodology. Covers all three modules (RBEAR, PAP, PA) and integrates MOOCs and practical animation experience. Designed for schools and organizations wanting to build internal workshop delivery capacity.
• Weekend de Sensibilité (Sensitivity Weekend) Two-day introductory sensitivity weekend that serves as a prerequisite for the Parcours SEVE N1 training. Priced at 300 CHF (or 200 CHF per person for pairs). Provides participants with a direct experiential introduction to the SEVE methodology.
• Adhésion annuelle (Annual Membership) Annual individual membership subscription at 100 CHF. Benefits include 50 CHF reduction on each continuing education course, preferential event pricing, reserved member time slots at events, and voting rights at the Annual General Assembly.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,300+ workshops organized since founding in 2016
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Fondation Didier et Martine PrimatminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation promoting responsible and sustainable lifestyles by supporting high-impact educational and environmental actions. Lists SEVE Suisse as a trusted partner on their 'Ils nous font confiance' page, indicating financial or programmatic support.
• Fondation Inspir'minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation whose objective is to promote Education in the broadest sense. Lists SEVE Suisse as a partner, indicating support for educational initiatives.
• Ladies'Lunch LausanneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of active, engaged women that supports local initiatives for a more inclusive and solidarity-based society. Partners with SEVE Suisse and organizes events (e.g., Ladies'Lunch Lausanne photo album in mediathèque) to support the mission.
• Voix LibresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation helping the poorest children in Bolivia. Founded by Marianne Sébastien (godmother of SEVE Suisse). Marianne Sébastien is both godmother of SEVE Suisse and founder of Voix Libres, creating a personal/organizational partnership. Voix Libres is listed on the 'Ils nous font confiance' page.
• MONTAGN'ARTSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation in Crans-Montana (Valais) offering artistic activities (workshops, conferences, performances) as personal enrichment. Co-organizes events with SEVE Suisse, such as activities at the 10th anniversary celebration.
• Ecole La DécouverteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive learning school for children 3-11 years, with 15+ years of philosophy workshops with children. Founder Catherine Firmenich is now SEVE Suisse's secretary. The school hosts SEVE workshops and is listed as a trusting partner.
• Collège ChampittetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLeading school in the Léman region for 115 years, with 800 students. Listed as a trusting partner. SEVE workshops are delivered within the school as part of its integral educational approach.
• pop e poppaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProfessional childcare structures (0-12 years) operating across Switzerland. Listed as a trusting partner, likely receiving SEVE workshop deliveries or supporting the mission through their network.
• Frédéric Lenoir (SEVE co-founder)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilosopher, writer (50 books, 10 million copies sold), and co-founder of SEVE (France, 2015) and the SEVE association. Author of 'Philosopher et méditer avec les enfants'. Co-founder of the SEVE Foundation. Participates in SEVE Suisse events (10th anniversary conference with Alexandre Jollien at Beausobre Theatre).
• Alexandre Jollien (Parrain / Godfather)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilosopher and writer, godfather (parrain) of SEVE Suisse. Born 1975 in Sierre with cerebral palsy, spent 17 years in a specialized institution. Holds a philosophy degree and master's, writes numerous books. Known as 'the philosopher of joy.' Scheduled to appear at SEVE Suisse's 10th anniversary conference (December 2026) and book signing event (June 2025).
• Marianne Sébastien (Marraine / Godmother)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounder of Voix Libres International, triple-degree holder (social, pedagogical, literary). Her humanitarian work has received numerous awards. Godmother (marraine) of SEVE Suisse. Hosts a 'Libère ta voix!' (Free Your Voice!) singing workshop for SEVE Suisse members as part of the 10th anniversary program.
• Le Vent des Routes (librairie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized travel bookstore in Geneva, with a children's/youth section on travel and ecology, cartography, and bicycle section. Hosted Alexandre Jollien's book signing for SEVE Suisse's 10th anniversary.
• J'aime ma PlanèteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation supporting Swiss schools in sustainability education, particularly through the Eco-Schools program and pedagogical exhibitions. Listed as a trusting partner, likely collaborating on environmental and social-emotional education crossover.
• Confiserie ZurcherminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConfectionery founded in 1879 in Montreux, listed as a trusting partner. Hosted the inter-generational SEVE workshop 'À partir de quand devient-on adulte?' (When do you become an adult?).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Inner Explorer: Non-profit providing secular, evidence-based mindfulness programs for schools via trained educators. Closely comparable in delivery model, target market (students + teachers), and emphasis on measurable outcomes.
• SEVE France: Parent SEVE association founded in 2015 by Frédéric Lenoir and Martine Roussel-Adam, implementing the same mindfulness + philosophical-dialogue workshop methodology with animateur·trices training and school deployment. Sister entity of SEVE Suisse, sharing the brand, methodology, and pedagogical framework.
• SEVE Belgique: Belgian sister association of the SEVE network, delivering the same combined attention-practice and philosophical-dialogue workshop program in schools and training animateur·trices. Operates the SEVE methodology in a different national market with comparable structure.
• Mindful Schools: US-based non-profit that trains educators to bring mindfulness instruction into K-12 classrooms. Highly comparable operating model: facilitator certification programs, school-based delivery, and curriculum integration for social-emotional development.
• SEVE Maroc: Moroccan arm of the SEVE network, running the same SEVE workshop methodology (mindfulness + philosophical dialogue for children) with locally trained facilitators. Sister organization with identical program design and target audience.

Others

• International Council of Philosophical Inquiry with Children (ICPIC): International body supporting the broader Philosophy for Children (P4C) movement pioneered by Matthew Lipman. Adjacent / ecosystem organization that anchors the academic and practitioner community for the philosophical-dialogue half of SEVE's methodology.

Broad incumbents

• Plum Village: Global mindfulness community founded by Thich Nhat Hanh with school- and youth-focused mindfulness programs and teacher trainings. Comparable in the mindfulness-for-young-people space at much larger scale, but with a Buddhist-rooted rather than secular school-based curriculum.

Emerging players

• Calm Classroom: Organization offering brief, scripted mindfulness scripts and training for teachers to integrate into K-12 classrooms. Comparable as a school-based mindfulness program, though more scripted and less philosophy-oriented than SEVE.
• Yoga Ed. Provides yoga- and mindfulness-based curricula and educator training for schools. Comparable adjacent model that combines mind-body practice with classroom integration and facilitator training programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@sevesuisseVD
• Facebookfacebook.com/sevesuisse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/seve-suisse
• Instagraminstagram.com/sevesuisse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SEVE Suisse