PRESS RELEASE: Internationally renowned expert to attend creativity forum in Estonia

Thursday, 22 August 2013

The international forum entitled 'Creativity opens minds' which is to open in Käsmu on Thursday 22 August will have as its keynote speaker Paul Collard, the British founder and CEO of the NPO Creativity, Culture & Education. Collard's NPO worked with the British government to develop the 'Creative partnerships' curriculum which was used in 4000 schools from 2008-2011.

In addition to outlining the success of the curriculum, Collard will be showcasing practical examples his NPO has used in schools in England, Norway, Lithuania, Germany, Austria and Sweden.

Around a hundred teachers, school directors, interest group leaders and educational officials will be seeking inspiration and learning innovative methods ahead of the new academic year at the forum, which is being held in Käsmu over two days on the 22nd and 23rd of August.

The forum was launched last year by the Estonian office of the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM).

Berth Sundström, Director of the NCM Office in Estonia, explains the background:
"The experience of the Nordic countries shows that the best preparation for an independent and successful life is received by those kids at school who are given a creative and playful learning environment to work in. It helps them resolve challenges more independently, whilst taking other people into account, and thinking outside of the box. Those kinds of skills are invaluable in a situation where countries all over the world are competing for the most talented people. Every student should be able to expect such preparation for life from their school. We want the kids in the Nordic countries and Baltic States to be bright-eyed, to feel good about the school they're going to and to be able to find opportunities for self-development as adults in their own region. They'll help the Nordic and Baltic countries compete with the rest of the world together."

Other speakers at the forum will include:

  • Ida Christine Hansen (Norway) – The everyday happiness programme and its results in Norwegian kindergartens
  • Agneta Möller-Salmela (Finland) – Motivation, methods and magic: ten steps to inspiring creative reading
  • Ulla Wiklund (Sweden) – Creativity that listens
  • Herdis Egilsdottir (Iceland), founder of the recognised 'foundation' method

Click here for more details about the forum, its programme and speakers.

For further information please contact:
Eha Vain
Culture Adviser, NCM office in Estonia
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mobile: +372 50 57 243

Press release compiled by:
Triin Oppi
Communications Adviser, NCM office in Estonia
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mobile: +372 52 13 226


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