„School Bridges” – Cooperation Project of Educational Establishments of Latvia and Sweden
„School Bridges” – Cooperation project between schools and other educational establishments in Latvia and Sweden was successfully carried
out in Valmiera, Latvia, from 26th to 29th September, 2018. The objective of this project was to promote and facilitate cooperation between schools in Latvia and Sweden.
First of all 14 guests from Sweden arrived in Riga. Among them were Katrina Freidenwall and 4 other teachers from the Hamnäs School, Nina Lindfors, director of Gripsholm Primary School, one teacher from Mariefred Primary School and Headmaster of the Stockholm Latvian School, Ieva Reine with 3 other teachers.
This four day long visit started with a festive reception for the guests at the Embassy of Sweden in Riga, where the Swedish ambassador, Annika Jagander discussed the project and the visit with participants and wished everyone fuitfull work and successful exchange of experiences.
The introductory evening event at the Vamiera City Museum was inspiring: folklore group „Griezes” gave an interactive performance and engaged the participants giving a chance to join in with their song and dance.
On the 27th of September guests visited Pre-School Educational Establishment „Burtiņš”, where they had a meeting with the rector and a guided tour of the premises and classrooms, observation of some classes and discussion about working methods, as well as participation in interest education classes of choice.
The guests from Sweden were positively impressed with the interest education classes in folkdance, martial arts and the daily integrated education classes. Swedish colleagues also acknowledged and appreciated director Vita Lelle’s capacity and success in having all the staff work together in an organized and high quality work from paedagogic perspective.
As a positive surprise pre-school „Burtiņš” premises were top notch clean and tidy, and children had prepared an exhibition on autumn harvest themes.
On the 28th of September guest teachers and school directors visited Valmiera Primary School, observed some open classes with students on a theme „Learn by Doing”, followed by a meeting and discussion with the school administration and teachers.
This was a very practical event, when guests opened a classroom door, it was full of pupils doing their assignments, and one was really given a chance to observe the teaching and learning process in action, classes were well organized and pupils worked diligently.
During the final round table discussion Swedish colleagues spoke with appreciation of the education system in Latvia and said that Latvia is following in the right direction. We can totally agree!
At the conclusion of this exchange visit Swedish guests visited waste management and recycling company SIA ZAAO at its specialized Environment Study Centre URDA, where Swedish teachers were impressed about the opportunities offered there for school pupils to study environment and natural sciences related themes.
Regional TV company Vidzemes TV created a reportage of the whole visit, which can be watched now by following link below.
- Video:
This project was jointly organized by the Latvian Language Agency, Latvian Association in Europe, Valmiera City Municipality, Burtnieki Novads Municipality.
