Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, on Friday, exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Finnish Ambassador in New Delhi to provide international-level training for government primary school teachers of the state of 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.

Elaborating on the agreement, Harjot Singh Bains said, that Punjab’s government primary school teachers will receive advanced training at the University of Turku in Finland, adding that while five Finnish universities had expressed interest in providing this training, the University of Turku was ultimately selected.

The Education Minister highlighted Finland’s global reputation in early childhood education, praising its innovative approach that emphasizes play, exploration and daily experiential learning. He said that the Finnish education system prioritizes early childhood education and care as the cornerstone for lifelong learning and development.

The Cabinet Minister also spotlighted Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led the 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.

Teachers interested in participating in the Finnish training program can submit their applications through the designated website up till the evening of September 27, 2024.