De La Salle University and HEI Schools, a Finnish early education company, have recently signed a partnership agreement to progress De La Salle University's Early Childhood Education Teacher Diploma program in the Philippines. Under this new collaboration, De La Salle University will assimilate the HEI Schools Teacher Diploma program as part of their School of Lifelong Learning (SoLL) unit education offering.
The HEI Schools Teacher Diploma program, composed of ten modules, encompasses the fundamentals of Finland’s early education pedagogy. These range from special needs and inclusion to play-based learning. Crafted by HEI Schools’ pedagogical experts in collaboration with Professor Lasse Lipponen from the University of Helsinki, this research-driven online program deploys the recent educational research provided by the University of Helsinki's Department of Teacher Education, which occupies the 21st spot in the global QS University rankings.
Professor Lipponen expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration stating, “I am excited to see the growing interest in Finnish early education in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. The collaboration between De La Salle University and HEI Schools promises a new era of well-equipped teachers, and I am eagerly looking forward to the positive changes this partnership will bring.”
This marks the inaugural partnership De La Salle University has embarked on a Finnish education concept. De La Salle University, for years, has been acknowledged as a top-tier leader in early childhood teacher training in the Philippines.
"We envision this partnership as part of our continuous drive towards educational excellence," remarks Dr. Ferrer, the Dean of SoLL, De La Salle University. “The HEI Schools Teacher Diploma program offers us an ideal framework for integrating the successful Finnish ECE approach into our Early Childhood diploma. With the HEI program added to our training program offering in SoLL, we believe that our students will experience a dynamic and enriching learning journey. They will graduate with the confidence and skills sought by employers, both locally and internationally. Early childhood practitioners in our country need more than just the mandatory Diploma in Early Childhood to make a difference."
The collaboration between HEI Schools and various universities, such as SEGi University, aims to elevate the standards of early childhood education (ECE) worldwide by providing high-quality training and resources to teachers and students. Through tailored Teacher Diploma programs that incorporate Finland's renowned pedagogical principles, HEI Schools seeks to empower educators with innovative skills and techniques that foster an enriching learning environment.
Echoing the sentiment, Inkeri Aimonen, Co-Founder and CEO of HEI Schools, added, “Our mission at HEI Schools is to provide high-quality education to as many children and families worldwide as possible. This partnership moves us significantly closer to our goal.”
Enrollment for the De La Salle University Teacher Diploma program, inclusive of the HEI Schools Teacher Diploma program, began in May and next lot of students will start in July. For more information, please check: https://www.dlsu.edu.ph/
De La Salle University (DLSU), located in Manila, Philippines, is a prestigious institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education. Established in 1911, DLSU has consistently ranked among the top universities in the country and is recognised for its innovative approach to education, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and liberal arts. The university prioritises values-based learning, emphasising character formation, social responsibility, and community engagement. DLSU’s School of Lifelong Learning (SoLL) is dedicated to providing continuous education opportunities, equipping learners with essential skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world, thus reinforcing the institution's mission of transforming lives through education.
For more press information, please contact Mr. Sami Mäkinen, Director of Partnerships, Southeast Asia, email: sami.makinen@heischools.com, tel. +60 1951 13415