Swedish Preschool Sets a Model for Overcoming Cultural Barriers

Futuraskolan International Preschool, Brunbärsvägen is setting an example for preschools worldwide by creating a space that is appreciative of different perspectives and teaches the children to be culturally sensitive. The preschool, which opened in 2008, currently has seven branches in and around Stockholm that promotes international-mindedness as an everyday focus. They aim to shape the children into future global citizens and currently has 40 nationalities and 35 languages represented across 22 staff members and 120 children.

Their mission of inculcating international-mindedness in children is achieved by celebrating individuality and diversity. ‘At Futuraskolan, we believe that to be internationally-minded we must know ourselves and our values to be able to be respectful and curious about each other and other cultures. Here at Brunbärsvägen, we encourage this by helping the children to get to know who they are as well as by celebrating differences using many pedagogical tools,’ says Ivett Tamayo, Principal at both Preschool Brunbärsvägen and Preschool Warfvinges Väg.

The teachers and staff at the preschool relentlessly work towards overcoming intercultural barriers and encouraging openness and inclusiveness with a unique combination of innovative teaching methods and activities that promote cross-cultural sensitivity. The school picks a new theme every year and incorporates it into their everyday activities. They are positive that this method would allow the children to be proactive and reflect on their role in the world.. The theme for this year is languages and as a part of the activities, the preschool even invited the parents to come in and talk to the children in their respective native languages.

News and Image source:https://www.thelocal.se/20191022/the-reason-children-at-this-swedish-preschool-say-konnichiwa-futuraskolan-tlccu