Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Finnish Ambassador in New Delhi to facilitate international-level training for government primary school teachers in Punjab. He was accompanied by former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
Speaking on the occasion, Harjot Singh Bains expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am delighted to announce the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with Finland. This collaboration will not only enhance the primary education framework in Punjab but also foster cultural exchange between India and Finland”. It is noteworthy that following Delhi’s lead, Punjab has become the second state in India to establish an agreement for providing advanced training to primary school teachers in Finland.
Expanding on the agreement, Harjot Singh Bains stated that government primary school teachers in Punjab will undergo advanced training at the University of Turku in Finland. He mentioned that although five Finnish universities had shown interest in offering this training, the University of Turku was ultimately chosen.
The Education Minister emphasized Finland's global reputation in early childhood education, commending its innovative approach that focuses on play, exploration, and daily experiential learning. He noted that the Finnish education system places a high priority on early childhood education and care as the foundation for lifelong learning and development.
The Cabinet Minister also spotlighted Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government’s ongoing efforts to enhance educator skills. “Since February 2023, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, 202 principals and education administrators have undergone training in Singapore. Besides this, 102 headmasters have completed courses in Leadership, School Management and Education Department at the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad”, he added.
