HY+ and Indus Training and Research Institute Join Forces to Enhance Early Childhood Education in India
The University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+ has started a strategic collaboration with the Indus Training and Research Institute (ITARI) from Bangalore, India to advance the field of early childhood education. The Postgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Education has a distinctive focus on inquiry-based learning and a dedication to playful pedagogy in early years.
The partnership was formally inaugurated in Bangalore on 17th October 2023 in the presence of Finland’s Minister of Education, Ms. Anna-Maja Henriksson. During the event, Lt. Gen. Arjun Ray, the Managing Director and CEO of Indus Trust, and Mr. Kimmo Kärpijoki, the CEO of HY+, emphasized the profound impact of this collaboration.
Both Lt. Gen. Ray and Mr. Kärpijoki expressed their enthusiasm for joining forces to elevate the quality of early childhood education in India. Their collective vision places a strong emphasis on the transformative potential of education during a child’s formative years, highlighting the significance of fostering a love for learning.
As a result of this collaboration, ITARI is introducing its first-ever Postgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Education (PGP in ECE), marking a significant step into the field of early childhood education.
The postgraduate programme, merited with a diploma, will be offered by ITARI from January 2024 onwards. The programme is designed by HY+ in collaboration with experts from the University of Helsinki, drawing upon Finland’s globally renowned expertise in education and teacher training.
“This collaboration between HY+ and ITARI is the result of sharing ideas and common values”, says Project Director Mirka Gustafsson from HY+. “The programme reflects our shared vision for the future of early childhood education, and we are very excited to start this journey together.”
The programme focuses on child-centered learning and playful pedagogy in early years. It places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, empowering educators to seamlessly integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and phenomenon-based learning into their teaching practices.
Graduates of the programme will possess the essential skills to nurture transversal abilities vital for success in the 21st century. Significantly, the programme places a strong emphasis on research, particularly highlighting the importance of internships to incorporate real-world experiences into the students’ educational journey.
For more information, please contact:
Mirka Gustafsson, Project Director
University of Helsinki Centre for Continuing Education HY+
mirka.gustafsson@hyplus.fi
+358 50 401 8355
Read more about the Postgraduate Programme in Early Childhood Education on ITARI’s website >>
