With an education fund, dreams become reality.
The Hafnarfjörður Education Fund was established last autumn and presented to teachers and staff in Hafnarfjörður's nursery and primary schools at a joint staff day in November. 27 applications were received and 16 of them were awarded a grant this time, totalling 11 million króna. The four guiding principles of Hafnarfjörður's Education Strategy from 2022 are creativity, diversity, well-being and collaboration, and each year it is decided which guiding principle will be the focus for the allocation from the education fund. This year, it was collaboration.
The educational policy is the lifeblood of the education system.
The Hafnarfjörður Education Fund was established last autumn and introduced to teachers and staff in the nursery and primary schools of Hafnarfjörður on a joint working day in November. 27 applications were received and 16 of them were awarded a grant this time, totalling 11 million krónur. „We have been implementing the council's education strategy and embedding it within the education system. It needed a bit of a “boost” and this was a route we decided to take, like other local authorities.“ says María.
The Education Strategy of Hafnarfjörður was introduced in 2022. After a great deal of work, it is safe to say that the strategy is shaped by ambition, collaboration and a clear vision for the future. Together, pupils, teachers, staff and parents laid the groundwork. The result was a clear roadmap where development, well-being and academic success are at the forefront – a foundation for a strong and vibrant learning community in Hafnarfjörður. The four guiding principles of the education policy are creativity, diversity, well-being and collaboration, and each year one of these is chosen for the allocation from the education fund. This year, it was collaboration. The purpose of the grants from the Hafnarfjörður Education Fund is to promote development and innovation in the town's school and leisure activities. The grants are intended for projects that enhance quality and professionalism in work with children, promote greater collaboration, and support research. The projects are to support or enhance professional practice with a focus on the participation of children and young people at the department's facilities.
Greater opportunities to see dreams become a reality
Maria has worked for the City of Hafnarfjörður for five years, one of which has been in this role – a part-time position alongside that of a reception officer. „I'm a nursery teacher by training; I've worked in a nursery and know that environment very well. The education fund is very exciting, and it's great to see how diverse the ideas are. That was exactly what we were hoping for; to find out what teachers and other school staff are thinking. What they want to do, and it has been rewarding to see how many are deepening their practice..“ One grant recipient said that this opens up so many possibilities to further what they have long wanted to do. „Many have had ideas for years and have finally got around to making them a reality this year, which is very pleasing. We are therefore expecting even more applications next year. This is an ideal opportunity for this group to do something new and creative.,“ says Maria at last.
In the coming weeks, interviews with grantee from the Hafnarfjörður Education Fund be published on the City of Hafnarfjörður's channels. This gives residents and others interested an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the excellent projects and creative school and leisure activities. The journey begins with María Baldursdóttir, Project Manager for Education and Nursery School Enrolment at Hafnarfjörður Municipality.