International Teacher Training Visit to University of Turku
A delegation of over 50 international guests from Albania, Spain and Austria visited the University of Turku on a benchmarking visit of the Erasmus+ project TEAVET on 25–26 April. The event was organised by the Brahea Centre.
On Wednesday, 25 April, the Brahea Centre welcomed a TEAVET project training visit to the University of a delegation of visitors coming from the Albanian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, University of León (Spain), Danube University Krems (Austria), University College Pavaresia Vlore (Albania), Sports University of Tirana Vojo Kushi (Albania), University of Durres Aleksander Moisiu (Albania), University of Elbasan Aleksander Xhuvani (Albania), University of Gjirokastra Eqrem Cabej (Albania), University of Korça Fan S. Noli (Albania), University of Shkodra Luigj Gurakuqi (Albania) and University of Vlora Ismail Qemali (Albania).
The purpose of the visit was to share new knowledge and ideas of education and teacher training, as well as to follow teaching sessions in Turku International School and Turun normaalikoulu school. The delegation was warmly welcomed on Wednesday morning by Vice Rector Riitta Pyykkö, who highlighted the special role of teachers in Finland and Finnish education.
Presentations were also given by Coordinator Johanna Alanen of the KiVa anti-bullying program and Doctor Tuula Laes on Verme 2, the Finnish network for peer-group mentoring.
The visit continued on Thursday at a cruise ship between Turku and Mariehamn. Presentations on the University as well as topics such as innovative pedagogy were covered by Head of Unit Timo Halttunen, Lecturer Vesa Hautala, Development Manager Petteri Sinervo from Brahea Centre, and Lecturer John Smeds from the Department of Teacher Training.
The colourful training visit is part of the TEAVET project funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. The project seeks to develop academic expertise in Albania through the establishment of specialised centres in universities and delivery of training programs in the field of lifelong professional competencies development of teachers. It supports the Albanian national strategy of pre-university education 2014-2020 of the Albanian Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth. In addition to Finland, another training visit will take place in Austria.
Text and main photo: Ellinoora Havaste