On Monday, June 16, the first session of the 15-hour course For a More Inclusive School: Tools to Address Diversity took place. The course ha been validated by the Department of Education of the Generalitat of Catalonia. The session featured two guest experts from a school in Vantaa, Finland: a nurse and nursing teacher and a chef and culinary instructor.

The session began with an overview of the differences between the Finnish and Catalan educational systems. One of the most notable differences is that in Finland, compulsory schooling starts at the age of 7, which is later than in Catalonia. Additionally, it was highlighted that vocational training and academic high school (baccalaureate) are considered equivalent pathways to access university. Students can even pursue both paths if they wish to do so.

The speakers also explained that Finland has two types of schools, depending on the language of instruction: Finnish-speaking schools and Swedish-speaking schools, reflecting the country’s official bilingualism. This could be a greatly controversial matter in our country.

The presentation continued with the description of an innovative project aimed at immigrant mothers, Turn mothers. This programme focuses on supporting their social and professional integration through the learning of the Finnish language and exposure to local professions. While learning the language, the mothers become familiar with careers such as nursing and culinary arts, helping them to integrate into both educational and labour environments.

This first day of the course offered an enriching perspective on inclusive education practices abroad and encouraged reflection on how international approaches might be adapted to the Catalan context.