News
Early childhood education in Finland
Today, I write on Early Childhood Education, an important aspect of the Finnish educational system which I admire so much.
According to research and other official information, in a population of 5.5 million in Finland, 74.6 per cent of people aged 25 to 64 have completed Upper Secondary or tertiary education. And, 33.2 per cent have university or other tertiary qualifications.
What intrigues me more is the aspect of early childhood education and how play is used as an important way to help children learn at school. Another aspect is the less number of hours that children spend at school, but which has been effective for students’ learning abilities.
As I have been saying, the Finnish educational system is regarded as one of the best in the world and is admired even by other highly advanced, rich countries.
Universalism in education
Finland has a fee-free education at all levels from pre-primary to higher education. In pre-primary and basic education the textbooks, daily meal and transportation for students living further away from the school are free.
According to the “Education in Finland” series, published by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture and the Finnish National Agency for Education, a central objective of the Finnish education policy is to offer all citizens equal opportunities to receive education.
The structure of the education system reflects these principles. The same educational opportunities should be available to all citizens irrespective of their ethnic origin, ages, wealth or where they live.
One of the basic principles of Finnish education is that all people must have equal access to high-quality education and training. (Only students from non-European Union and non-European Economic Area (EEA) pay tuition fees in higher education (university level), which came into effect about three years ago.
Early childhood educational curriculum
Every child in Finland from 10 months to six years has a right in early childhood education, which is backed by the Finnish law of early childhood education, 549/2018.
Researchers point out that one of the key principles of the early childhood education curriculum system is universalism, meaning that every child should have access to quality educational services.
Play-based learning, less home-work
Many research reports have emphasised how teachers are trained and are expected to be sensitive towards children’s feelings and personal well-being.
Play-based learning at school is highly encouraged. Teachers are expected to encourage children to learn through playing, while teachers are encouraged (or expected) to encourage children in that direction.
There are different practices of play, and children are viewed as active agents for play and learning. The setting in the room, time allotted, and the general atmosphere are all considered enabling factors to help children learn.
Children easily enter play-based activities and watched over to solve problems thus learn by doing things.
Students in primary and even higher level have only five hours per day in school. For children in early education, they also have little home work outside of school.
Thank you.
By Perpetual Crentsil
The writer is a Ghanaian lecturer at the Helsinki University in Finland
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
