Bridging Borders: A Visit from Finland

Last week, we had the joy of hosting a group of Finnish students and educators at our centre—a meaningful cultural and professional exchange that left a lasting impression on both our guests and our team.

The visit was made possible through a collaboration between Presbyterian Preschool Services and the School of Health Sciences at ITE College East. Our guests included four students and one teacher from a Vocational Institute in Lahti, Finland, accompanied by two ITE lecturers. All are currently pursuing studies in Early Childhood Education and were eager to discover how early years education is shaped and implemented in Singapore.

Their purpose was clear: to gain insights into our preschool curriculum, observe classroom practices, and learn how we design nurturing, intentional environments that support holistic child development. During the visit, we shared our philosophy and approach—highlighting how we use everyday routines, purposeful play, and thoughtful interactions to cultivate curiosity, confidence, and care in every child.

The Finnish students were also warmly welcomed into our classrooms, where they had the opportunity to interact with our children through hands-on activities. These moments of shared laughter, play, and discovery transcended language and culture, creating a heartfelt atmosphere of mutual respect and learning.

What made the visit especially meaningful was the spirit of openness and mutual learning. As we exchanged ideas and experiences, we were reminded that while our contexts may differ, our calling remains the same: to nurture young lives with intention, compassion, and joy.

We are grateful for the opportunity to host this visit and to take part in a broader conversation on early childhood education across borders. It was truly a privilege to share our journey and to witness the global community of educators growing stronger through shared purpose and passion.