CHANDIGARH, April 23, 2026: A transformative collaboration between the Punjab Government and Finland’s University of Turku is beginning to reshape classroom learning across the state, with early signs of improved student engagement and a shift towards interactive teaching practices. The initiative, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, marks a significant step in Punjab’s ongoing education reforms.
The programme focuses on replacing traditional rote learning with participatory, child-centred teaching methods. Anchored within Punjab’s broader Sikhya Kranti framework, the initiative blends global expertise with local classroom realities to ensure sustainable and scalable change.
Shift Towards Joyful and Participatory Learning
Under this partnership, classrooms in Punjab are gradually transitioning from memorisation-based teaching to more engaging, activity-driven learning environments. Teachers are being trained to adopt innovative pedagogical techniques that encourage student participation, creativity, and critical thinking.
During his official visit to Finland, CM Bhagwant Mann visited the Kukulo-Moikoinen Early Childhood Education and Care Centre, where he observed Finland’s globally acclaimed education model. He noted that the collaboration is already delivering results by effectively integrating international teaching practices into Punjab’s education system.
The initiative, implemented through the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), is designed as a long-term institutional reform rather than a short-term project. It aims to embed play-based and inclusive learning approaches, particularly in early childhood and foundational education.
Teacher Training and Global Knowledge Exchange
A key pillar of the programme is teacher development through a structured training model. By May 2026, nearly 300 teachers across Punjab will have undergone specialised training under four cohorts.
Training sessions have been conducted both in Chandigarh and in Finnish cities like Turku and Rauma, offering teachers exposure to international best practices through workshops, mentoring sessions, and school visits.
Teachers are being equipped with research-based teaching strategies while also being encouraged to adapt these methods to Punjab’s socio-cultural context. Instead of directly copying foreign models, the focus is on contextual adaptation, ensuring that global innovations are meaningfully integrated into local classrooms.
The Chief Minister highlighted that teachers are now more confident in experimenting with new teaching styles and tailoring lessons according to diverse learning needs. Feedback from schools indicates increased student participation, improved motivation levels, and more inclusive classroom environments.
Scaling the Model Across Punjab
To expand the impact of the programme, the Punjab Government plans to adopt a “train-the-trainers” approach, creating a network of master trainers who will further train educators across the state.
Additionally, digital platforms and blended learning systems are being developed to support continuous professional development and ensure wider accessibility of training resources.
During his visit, CM Bhagwant Mann also interacted with officials and faculty at the University of Turku and the Turku Teacher Training School to explore further collaboration opportunities.
He emphasised that this initiative will serve as a cornerstone of Punjab’s long-term education reforms, helping build a robust and future-ready public education system.
Focus on Long-Term Educational Transformation
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Punjab Government is committed to strengthening public education by adopting innovative and globally proven practices.
He stated that such collaborations are crucial for preparing students to meet future challenges and compete at a global level. The government plans to continue similar initiatives to sustain momentum and ensure continuous improvement in the education sector.
With a growing pool of trained teachers and a structured roadmap for expansion, the Punjab–Finland collaboration is set to redefine classroom learning in the state, making it more engaging, inclusive, and effective.
