From November 5 to 7, 2025, the FERA Conference 2025 was grandly held at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland. A delegation from our kindergarten, comprising Principal Xia Huaying, Assistant Principal Ju Liang, and Educational Researcher Zhang Jingyi alongside a two-member team including Associate Professor Zhang Heyi from the Institute of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, was invited to attend this academic exchange and visit.

This visit effectively combined academic exchange with promoting China-Finland cooperation. During the conference, our representatives participated in a special event “Celebrating, Navigating, and Reflecting the first ten years of Sino-Finnish Joint Learning Innovation Institute." Together with colleagues from the Chinese and Finnish education sectors, they reviewed the institute's developmental achievements over the past decade and explored future pathways for educational innovation.

Group Photo at the 10th Anniversary Event of the Sino-Finnish Joint Learning Innovation Institute

Following the forum, Principal Xia Huaying engaged in friendly and in-depth discussions with Professor Inkeri Ruokonen, former vice dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Turku, Dr. Anitta Melasalmi, lecturer of department of teacher education at the University of Turku, and Ms. Anne Toivonen, Manager of Rauma's Pikkunorssi Early Childhood and Teacher Education Center. The parties exchanged views on topics of mutual educational interest and explored potential collaboration in areas such as joint curriculum development, teacher training, and academic research, further advancing our kindergarten's international cooperation efforts.

Professor Inkeri Ruokonen, Dr. Anitta Melasalmi, and our kindergarten representatives

Panelists of the "Trends and Perspectives in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Teacher Education in China and Finland" Forum

Principal Xia Huaying introducing our kindergarten's history booklet to Dr. Anitta Melasalmi

This participation not only showcased our kindergarten's research and practical accomplishments but also significantly progressed our collaborative efforts with experts from the University of Turku and Rauma's Pikkunorssi. These exchanges have raised our kindergarten's profile internationally and have directly informed and inspired the innovation of our educational practices.

Text: Zhang Jingyi
Photos: Ju Liang
Preliminary Review: Ju Liang
Final Review: Xia Huaying