This will be the fourth batch of the Punjab Government teachers travelling to Finland, a nation widely regarded for having one of the world’s most effective school education systems.
The programme is being conducted under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Punjab Government and the University of Turku in September 2024.
Across the state, 72 teachers have been selected, including four each from Jalandhar and Kapurthala, and three from Hoshiarpur. The initiative aims at exposing teachers to globally recognised teaching practices and equip them with modern methods, particularly in early childhood and primary education.
Among the selected candidates from Jalandhar, Rampal, head teacher at Government Primary School, Sarmastpur (Alawalpur block), expressed his joy, stating that his prior work as a block resource person under programmes like Padho Punjab Padhao Punjab and Mission Samarth helped him secure a place.
“Finland is known for its strong education system. I am eager to learn new teaching-learning material (TLM) and implement theSE in my classroom,” he said.
Gaurav Kumar from Government Primary School, Bhargo Camp (West1 block) said, “Out of nearly 8,000 to 9,000 applicants, only 150 were shortlisted for the interview round and 72 were finally selected based on merit. I am looking forward to applying these what I learn after returning.”
Shellka Bhatia from Government Primary School, Mand (West2 block), said during the Covid pandemic, when schools shifted online, she created digital content, video lecture and MCQ-based online material for primary students, which contributed to her selection.
Another teacher, Gurinder Kaur Pannu from Government Primary School, Bidhipur (West2 block), said, “The teachers have been selected on the basis of educational qualifications, departmental recognition, language proficiency and presentation skills.”
Harjinder Kaur, District Education Officer (Elementary), said, “This is the fourth batch of teachers being sent to Finland. Since 2024, nine teachers from Jalandhar have undergone this training. Even after returning, these teachers remain connected with educators there, regularly exchanging ideas, classroom practices and teaching-learning material (TLM). These learnings are then shared with other teachers across the district to maximise the overall impact.”