Harjot Bains Inaugurates Training Program for Teachers in Collaboration with Finland
Punjab and Finland Strengthen Educational Ties: Harjot Bains Inaugurates Teacher Training Program
Chandigarh, March 3, 2025 – In a move to further strengthen educational ties between Punjab and Finland, Punjab School Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains inaugurated a one-week teacher training program today at Punjab Bhawan. This program, aimed at enhancing the skills of 72 primary school teachers from across the state, marks the beginning of the second phase of an ongoing knowledge exchange initiative with Finland.
The batch of teachers, who will undergo this intensive training program, is set to depart for Finland on March 15, 2025, to continue their development with a two-week training session at the prestigious University of Turku. This collaboration is part of Punjab’s larger effort to improve the quality of primary education by adopting best practices from Finland, known globally for its world-class educational system.
Strengthening Collaboration: Punjab’s Commitment to World-Class Education
During the inauguration, S. Harjot Singh Bains outlined the state’s ongoing efforts to modernize the educational landscape. “We are dedicated to providing world-class education in Punjab, and learning from Finland’s proven educational practices will help us take our school system to new heights,” said Bains. He expressed his interest in drawing lessons from Finland’s expertise, particularly in elementary education, teacher training, and the integration of digital tools in classrooms.
Bains also praised the efforts of Punjab’s teachers who have embraced innovative methods that have helped make learning more interactive and enjoyable for students. The training program will play a crucial role in aligning Punjab’s educational standards with global benchmarks.
The Significance of the Teacher Training Program
This collaborative initiative began with the successful completion of the first batch’s training at the University of Turku in November 2024. According to Bains, this train-the-trainer model is essential for sustaining the program’s impact. The model will not only enhance the individual skills of teachers but will also ensure that these newly trained educators return to their schools ready to share their knowledge with peers.
“We want to create a cascading effect where these trained teachers will become trainers themselves, passing on their skills to others,” said Bains. This approach ensures that the positive impact of the training continues to spread throughout the education system, fostering a sustainable change in Punjab’s primary schools.
Finland’s Role in Punjab’s Education Transformation
The Finnish Ambassador to India, Mr. Kimmo Lahdevirta, who attended the inauguration, lauded the Punjab Government’s transformative initiatives in education. He expressed Finland’s ongoing support for Punjab’s efforts, emphasizing that the exchange of knowledge between the two regions would create a mutually beneficial partnership. Lahdevirta also praised the Punjab government’s commitment to developing globally competitive education for the state’s children.
“Finland is pleased to be a part of this important initiative. We believe that our educational practices, which focus on creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development, can benefit Punjab’s education system,” Lahdevirta stated. He further assured the Punjab government of Finland’s continued collaboration in the coming years, especially in areas such as teacher development, curriculum design, and digital education.
Supporting Long-Term Educational Reform
In addition to the train-the-trainer program, the Punjab government has plans to expand its collaboration with Finland. Minister Bains highlighted that the state is not only focusing on immediate improvements but is also working on long-term strategies to reform and modernize the education system. The ongoing partnership with Finland is an essential part of this vision.
“Through our partnership with Finland, we aim to set new standards in primary education,” Bains remarked. He also emphasized that the Punjab government would continue to introduce initiatives designed to improve teaching quality, enhance student learning, and integrate technology into classrooms to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Praising Punjab’s Dedication to Education
Several dignitaries, including Secretary of School Education Mr. Kamal Kishor Yadav and Director of SCERT, Punjab, Ms. Amaninder Kaur Brar, also spoke at the event. They expressed their gratitude towards the Finnish experts for their continued support in the success of the program. Yadav acknowledged that the collaboration would help reshape the primary education landscape in Punjab, while Brar emphasized that such international partnerships are vital for raising the standards of education.
Bains also honored several key Finnish experts who have contributed to the program’s success, including Ari Koski, Key Account Manager at University of Turku, Ms. Kristiina Heikkila, Chair of Global Educational Services, and Ms. Soili Norra, Vice Principal of Rauma Teacher Training School, Finland.
Moving Forward: The Future of Punjab’s Education System
Looking ahead, Punjab is committed to transforming its educational system to meet the challenges of the modern world. With the help of its partnership with Finland, the state aims to provide innovative learning experiences for students, improve the teaching standards, and integrate technology-driven solutions in classrooms.
In conclusion, this collaboration marks a major milestone in Punjab’s journey towards educational reform, and with the continued support from Finland, the state is on track to elevate its school system to international standards.