27th May 2025: It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. But it also takes dedicated and ingenious thinkers and changemakers to educate children in a manner that enriches them with the necessary skills and knowledge to decode the world they inhabit. It was the latter that were celebrated and felicitated at Finland International School’s first anniversary, which was marked on May 16, 2025. The evening, which saw some of the country’s leading voices from various streams, was hosted by Finland International School Race Course Principal – Anna Hart, together with Director – Dr Shashank Goenka, School Board Mentor and Advisor –Fatema Agarkar, and Nikke Keskinen – the Founding Principal of Finland International Schools in India. The event also welcomed dignitaries from the Netherlands, Hungary, Japan, Norway, Finland, and Sweden consulates, as well as special guests Dr Rohan Palshetkar – consultant IVF specialist, Bloom IVF, and Dr Karishma Kirti – consultant breast specialist and oncoplastic surgeon.
In his address, the Consul General of Finland in Mumbai – Erik af Hallström, who was the guest of honour, highlighted the growing synergy between Finland and India in trade, cultural exchange, and educational collaboration. He applauded FIS Race Course as a shining example of cross-border partnership in learning. The FIS Race Course Board also took the opportunity to felicitate Dr Swaroop Sampat Rawal for her significant contributions to the education sector and for recently receiving an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Worcester.
“This milestone reinforces our fundamental belief that a child who is happy is also motivated to build research skills and independence, taking ownership for their learning, and is accepting of the fact that certain areas need support and help. It also celebrates the Finnish approach to education that enables the school to function as an edu-partner to families, automatically changes the way learning is approached. We were honoured to find resonance among some of Mumbai’s most influential voices, as well as reputed educationists who have been doing such important work,” said Agarkar.
“The Finnish approach is marked by an emphasis on continuous learning throughout the school year, without focusing excessively on rote learning, which is one of the biggest challenges faced by typical curriculums. Instead, our focus on skill development and concepts in early and primary years. Our hands-on approach of combining Finland’s stress-free learning environment with our nuanced understanding of Indian culture has created a unique Findian ecosystem, which has been well received by parents and educators. We look forward to creating and commemorating many more such milestones and slowly but surely changing the way Mumbai’s children learn,” commented Goenka.
Since its inception, Finland International School has been lauded for its focus on enabling children to progress in a manner that makes them well-rounded and emotionally secure learners. The school focuses on scientific, well-researched and age-appropriate learning outcomes based on a well-defined programme of learning—from toddlers to Grade 12. These plans are further customised basis the interests and prior knowledge of each child. Finnish teachers work alongside Indian teachers to best address the children’s specific learning needs.