Son La city promotes the role of early childhood education in lifelong learning
WVR - On the morning of October 7, as part of the 2024 lifelong learning week celebrated nationwide, Son La global learning city held a seminar, titled “The role of early childhood education in lifelong learning”.
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| Participants from Son La city's early childhood education sector attend the seminar. |
Recognized as a new member of UNESCO’s global network of learning cities, Son La has been actively involved in meaningful initiatives during this year’s lifelong learning week.
On October 7, 2024, Son La city organized a seminar on “The role of early childhood education in lifelong learning”. The event was attended by city officials, representatives from the Son La city’s Department of Education, and over 230 educational managers, principals, vice principals, and preschool teachers from all pre-schools in the city. The seminar also featured keynote speaker Ms. Tong Lien Anh, a seasoned expert in lifelong learning and early childhood education.
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| Opening remarks by Mr. Tran Cong Chinh, Vice Chairman of Son La city people's committee. |
In his opening speech, Mr. Tran Cong Chinh, Vice Chairman of the people's committee of Son La city, underscored the critical role of early childhood education in fostering lifelong learning. He highlighted the city's ongoing commitment to investing in this vital educational sector, particularly in promoting international cooperation: “With our vision for a modern, advanced educational system, especially as Son La has recently been named a global learning city within UNESCO's global network of learning cities, we are committed to continuing robust investments in early childhood education. We aim to continuously improve the quality of teaching and learning, providing the best possible environment for children’s comprehensive development. The city government will work closely with relevant agencies, organizations, families, and schools to create an optimal educational setting that provides children with a strong foundation for their future”.
Following Mr. Tran Cong Chinh’s address, the seminar continued in a dynamic and stimulating atmosphere, sparking many insightful exchanges and fresh perspectives.
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| Ms. Tong Lien Anh presents the book Lifelong learner to seminar participants. |
The seminar’s focus on the role of early childhood education in lifelong learning led to lively exchanges between Ms. Tong Lien Anh and attendees. The discussions delved into the origins of the concept of “lifelong learning” and its growing importance in today’s fast-changing, technology-driven world of industry 4.0.
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| Delegates actively engaged in note-taking and sharing ideas. |
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A key topic addressed during the seminar was international collaboration, with a focus on adopting advanced early childhood education models from countries with highly regarded educational systems, such as Finland. Known for being one of the happiest countries in the world, Finland’s education system emphasizes a child-centered approach, providing children with a joyful, inspiring, and nurturing learning environment.
Ms. Tong Lien Anh introduced key aspects of Finland’s early childhood education system and shared concrete examples to inspire participants. She also pointed out that Son La's unique natural environment and educational context make it a prime candidate for implementing some of Finland’s educational practices.
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| Introduction to Laulau learning: An art and music-based approach. |
Participants were introduced to Laulau learning, a Finnish educational method that embodies key elements of Finland’s early childhood education model. This approach has been successfully implemented in preschools, primary schools, and special education in Finland, the UK, Estonia, Singapore, and other countries worldwide.
Though unable to attend in person, Ms. Minna Lappalainen, Founder and CEO of Laulau Finland, sent a warm greeting from Helsinki. She shared her experiences in developing and applying the Laulau learning method and expressed her joy at seeing it soon implemented in several preschools in Son La city through a special collaboration between Laulau Learning Vietnam and Son La city.
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| Closing remarks by Ms. Tran La Giang, Head of the Department of Education of Son La city. |
In her closing remarks, Ms. Tran La Giang, Head of the Department of Education in Son La city, expressed deep appreciation for the seminar. She also voiced excitement about the rapid implementation of the Laulau Song Drawing Method in local schools.
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| More than 230 early childhood education leaders and teachers attended. |
The 2024 lifelong learning week in Son La will culminate with a closing ceremony and award presentation for the “Son La - The global learning city I love” contest on the evening of October 7, 2024.
