A Finnish Lense on Positive school environments. Learning from Finland: Preventing Bullying and Promoting Wellbeing
Discover how Finland—a global leader in education—builds safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environments. This Erasmus+ course explores evidence-based strategies to prevent bullying and promote student wellbeing through practical, research-based methods like KiVa and VERSO. You will learn how Finnish schools combine nature, creativity, and community to foster emotionally secure environments where all learners can thrive. Through inspiring workshops, school visits, and reflective sessions, you will gain tools and ideas to create a culture of kindness, hope, and belonging in your own school. Join us in Finland to explore a holistic approach to student wellbeing and future-oriented learning.
What You’ll Learn:
You will explore proven Finnish methods for bullying prevention and social-emotional learning, focusing on the wellbeing of both students and educators. With insights from future studies and child development research, the course connects academic success with emotional and social growth. You’ll also learn how to use nature-based activities and creative collaboration to support school communities. By the end of the week, you’ll have practical strategies, renewed inspiration, and a deeper understanding of holistic wellbeing.
- Understand how KiVa and VERSO programmes prevent and resolve bullying
- Explore research on youth wellbeing and student agency
- Learn to apply futures thinking to promote proactive school cultures
- Discover the power of nature in enhancing emotional wellbeing
- Develop practical wellbeing strategies for your own school context
Course Highlights:
- School Visit in Finland: Observe real-life implementation of KiVa and VERSO in action
- Nature-Based Learning: Experience outdoor wellbeing practices in the Finnish winter
- Evidence-Based Programmes: Learn from cutting-edge research on bullying prevention and student wellbeing
- Creative Reflection Activities: Engage in collaborative, hands-on methods to foster connection and hope
- Design Thinking for Change: Create your own wellbeing initiative tailored to your school community
- Free access to Finnish Education Online Courses: Learn more about Finnish education before your visit.
Each day blends theory and practice through workshops, discussions, and unique Finnish experiences that support whole-school wellbeing.
Upcoming courses
Interested in a customized, on-demand version of this course for your group?
Learn more and tailor it to your team’s needs today!
What our clients say
Tickets
All tickets includes:
- Event materials
- Certificate of attendance
- School visits
- Admission to all sessions
Standard price
For standard registrations
Group price
Discounted price for groups of 5 or more
Catering package
Lunches and refreshments, entrance fees (on the planned excursions)
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand Finland’s evidence-based approaches to prevent bullying
- Gain tools to promote hope, agency, and emotional safety in schools
- Experience creative and nature-based wellbeing methods
- Reflect on your own school culture and create a personal action plan
- Strengthen your capacity to lead positive change in your learning community
This course is ideal for Erasmus+ coordinators, teachers, school leaders, counsellors, and all educational staff seeking to create supportive and inclusive school environments.
Tuovi Ronkainen
Tuovi Ronkainen is a seasoned educator with experience in teaching, leadership, and international training. With a background in biology and futures research, she brings a systems-thinking approach to wellbeing and anti-bullying education. Her expertise includes environmental education, peer mediation, and fostering student participation.
This is a provisional programme, the finalized program will be shared with participants prior to the course.
Day 1, Monday
09:00 Welcome and Introductions
09:30 Introduction to Futures Studies: Megatrends and educational foresight
10:30 Coffee Break
10:45 Workshop: Futures Wheel – Exploring long-term impacts of bullying
12:00 Lunch Break
13:00 Group Work: Three Futures – Possible, probable, preferred school futures
14:15 Reflection & Sharing: What kind of future do we want to build?
Day 2, Tuesday
09:00 Introduction to the KiVa School Programme – Theory and practice
10:00 Introduction to VERSO Programme – Peer mediation & restorative methods
10:45 Coffee Break
11:00 School Visit: Observe KiVa and VERSO in action
12:30 Lunch Break
13:30 Group Reflection: Adapting methods to your school context
Day 3, Wednesday
09:00 Overview of Finnish research on student wellbeing
10:00 The role of hope, meaning, and agency in education
10:45 Coffee Break
11:00 Workshop: Hope Mapping – Supporting students’ belief in possibility
12:15 Lunch Break
13:15 Group Discussion: Strengthening wellbeing structures in school communities
Day 4, Thursday
09:00 Introduction: Nature and mental health in Finnish education
09:30 Guided Nature Experience: Snowshoe walk / winter forest / campfire talk
11:45 Lunch Break (outdoor or nearby venue)
12:45 Reflection in Nature: Sensing calm, creativity, and belonging
14:00 Sharing Discussion: Nature-based wellbeing in everyday school life
Day 5, Friday
09:00 Morning Reflection: Insights and takeaways from the week
09:45 Workshop: Design Thinking for Change – Creating your wellbeing project
11:30 Creative Session: Hands and Hearts – Symbolising hope and community
12:30 Lunch Break
13:30 Group Reflection, Certificate Ceremony & Closing Circle