The Finnish Network for Language Education Policies and the Centre for Applied Language Studies (CALS) have awarded the Kari Sajavaara recognition prize to the Kielibuusti project. In the justification for the award, Kielibuusti was considered a significant actor in the current discussion about the opportunities for immigrants in Finland to learn and study domestic languages. Kielibuusti was also praised for making its materials available in various communities and for being based on recent research.

The Finnish Network for Language Education Policies (Kieliverkosto), coordinated by the Center for Applied Language Studies at the University of Jyväskylä, is a national research and development network for language education policy that brings together actors in language education, raises awareness of the multifaceted nature of language education, and influences decisions regarding language education in Finland. The network is funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture.

The Kari Sajavaara prize is named after a pioneer in Finnish and European language education and higher education language policy research. Kieliverkosto and CALS organize a memorial lecture annually in honor of Professor Kari Sajavaara (1938–2006).

The Kari Sajavaara recognition prize 2026 was awarded and the information was announced at the 16th Kari Sajavaara memorial lecture held at the University of Jyväskylä on Friday, January 23, 2026. The award was received by (in the picture, left, top): Jyrki Kalliokoski, professor (emer.) (University of Helsinki), Riitta Yli-Tainio, development manager (Haaga-Helia); (in the picture, left, bottom): Johanna Komppa, senior university lecturer (University of Helsinki), Kaarina Murtola, lecturer (Laurea), Anna Sundqvist, project planner (University of Helsinki) and Sanni Heinzmann, project manager (Aalto University). (Photographer: Taina Pitkänen.)