Andhra Pradesh plans to integrate Finland’s globally-renowned education practices into the State’s emerging ‘Andhra Model of Education’.
A high-level delegation comprising senior officials from School Education, Higher Education and Technical Education wings of the State has returned after a study tour that focused on pedagogical reforms, skill development, innovation ecosystems and higher education models of Finland.
The visit was led by Principal Secretary Human Resource Development Kona Sashidhar and included Commissioner Collegiate Education Narayana Bharat Gupta, Director School Education Vijay Rama Raju V, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha B. Srinivasa Rao and Commissioner Technical Education and Managing Director of AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) G. Ganesh Kumar, besides Senior Economist, South Asia Region, World Bank Cristelle Kouame.
The delegation held discussions with officials of the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) and toured Vallila Primary School, early learning centres and leading universities. “The Finnish model places strong emphasis on teacher professionalism and autonomy. Teaching is among the most respected professions in Finland and a five-year Master’s degree is mandatory even for primary-level teachers,” says Mr. Sashidhar, adding that there are no inspection-based supervisory systems or school rankings, and teachers have full freedom in pedagogy and assessment.
Student welfare and equity form the foundation of Finnish education. Schooling and meals are free for all students, and the system prioritises formative assessments over standardised testing, he said, observing that emotional well-being is integrated into learning, reinforced through practices observed at the Playful Learning Centre at the University of Helsinki, where play is treated as a medium of learning rather than a break from academics.
The team members discovered that governance in Finland’s school system is highly decentralised. Principals manage school operations independently while municipalities handle infrastructure and funding without intervention in academic matters, a structure that has contributed to Finland’s sustained success.
The team members said the EDUFI officials appreciated Andhra Pradesh’s reform efforts, particularly the attempt to elevate Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) and transition of Anganwadi centres from a nutrition-focused model to holistic foundational learning.
Mr. Sashidhar proposed converting one Anganwadi in each district into a Finland-style play-based learning centre, informing that the EDUFI has assured support for the pilot initiative, which will mark a milestone in shaping the Andhra Model of Education.
The delegation also studied higher education models to support reforms and the planned Amaravati Knowledge City. Their visits to Aalto University, the University of the Arts Helsinki and the University of Turku covered interdisciplinary learning, prototyping labs, studio-based arts education, and teacher training structures. Helsinki’s Oodi Central Library, known for its technology-enabled community spaces, has been identified as a reference model for the upcoming Knowledge Hub in Amaravati.
In the area of skill development and overseas employment, the APSSDC officials met representatives of Echo Engineering to explore opportunities in Finland for Indian skilled workers. Recruitment is free of intermediaries, wages are on par with local standards, and basic English proficiency suffices, though candidates must meet certification requirements and be prepared for cold-climate working conditions, they said. Based on these insights, APSSDC plans to develop Overseas Placement Preparedness Modules covering technical skills, language training, cultural orientation and safety.
The team of officials have expressed confidence that the visit would help Andhra Pradesh emerge as a national leader in education, innovation and skills development.
Published – November 20, 2025 04:50 pm IST
