Andhra Pradesh plans to integrate Finland’s globally recognized educational practices into the emerging “Andhra Model of Education” in the state.
A high-level delegation consisting of senior officials from the state’s school, higher and technical education departments returned after a study tour focused on pedagogical reforms, skills development, innovation ecosystems and higher education models in Finland.
The visit was led by Principal Secretary Human Resource Development Kona Sashidhar and included Commissioner Higher Education Narayana Bharat Gupta, Director School Education Vijay Rama Raju V, State Project Director Samagra Shiksha B. Srinivasa Rao and Commissioner Technical Education and Chief Executive Officer AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), G. Ganesh Senior Bank South Asia Region, G. Economist Cristelle Kumar Kouame.
The delegation held discussions with representatives of the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI) and visited Vallila Primary School, early learning centers and leading universities. “The Finnish model places great emphasis on the professionalism and autonomy of teachers. Teaching is one of 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 supervision systems based on inspections or school evaluations, and teachers have full freedom in pedagogy and evaluation.
The basis of Finnish education is student welfare and equality. School and meals are free for all students, and the system favors formative assessment over standardized testing, he said, noting that emotional well-being is integrated into learning, reinforced by practices observed at the Center for Playful Learning at the University of Helsinki, where play is seen as a means of learning rather than a break from academics.
The team members found that governance in the Finnish school system is highly decentralized. Principals manage school operations independently, while municipalities provide infrastructure and funding without interfering with academic affairs, a structure that has contributed to Finland’s continued success.
Team members said EDUFI officials appreciated Andhra Pradesh’s reform efforts, particularly the attempt to elevate early childhood education and care (ECEC) and the transition of Anganwadi centers from a nutrition-focused model to a holistic basic learning model.
Mr. Sashidhar proposed to convert one Anganwadi in each district into a Finnish game-based learning center and informed that EDUFI has secured 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 in Helsinki and the University of Turku covered interdisciplinary learning, prototype labs, studio art 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, APSSDC officials met with representatives of Echo Engineering to explore opportunities in Finland for Indian skilled workers. Recruitment is unmediated, wages are on par with local standards and basic English is sufficient, although candidates must meet certification requirements and be prepared for working conditions in cold climates, they said. Based on these findings, APSSDC plans to develop overseas deployment readiness modules covering technical skills, language training, cultural orientation and safety.
The team of officials expressed confidence that the visit will help Andhra Pradesh become a national leader in education, innovation and skill development.
Published – 20 Nov 2025 16:50 IST
