Comments for change | Synpunkten

In 2005, the very first Synpunkten was published in Modern Barndom. The purpose of our magazine has always been to create a space for reflection, dialogue, and shared experiences—about learning, education, and the rights of children and young people in a changing world. Synpunkten has been a forum for members of the board of the Reggio Emilia Institute to share their thoughts and perspectives – their views.

But what does it really mean to have an opinion? An opinion can be a perception, a starting point, a view, an attitude, or a standpoint. It is an expression of commitment and a willingness to contribute to the conversation.

Why are opinions important? Do we all need to have opinions? We think so. We need each other's thoughts and stories to understand what education and learning can become and contribute to in a complex world. To help us broaden our perspectives, spark curiosity, and open up to more ways of looking at the world. To be challenged and given the opportunity to reflect and formulate our positions. 

We live in an age where there are many forums where we can quickly communicate our opinions. This is an important right, but with it comes the responsibility to be mindful of how we communicate. We need to create a climate where different perspectives enrich and challenge us, and where we take an interest in how our views are received. A society that wants to be democratic must encourage every citizen's right to their own opinion, where everyone's perspective counts and is important to the whole. This is what gives society energy, life, contrast, and the opportunity for development. It is when it becomes quiet that we should really worry.

The Reggio Emilia Institute's economic association has always been about giving children and young people the right to be heard, seen, and counted as full members of society, with all their linguistic abilities and expressions. Their perspectives are not only valuable—they are crucial to understanding our present and influencing our future.

The Institute's association works to promote and contribute to preschools and schools becoming places where children and young people can develop their ability to express their views, but also their ability to listen, ask questions, and reflect. To feel the desire to share opinions with others because it contributes to our common society and democracy. This requires a society that not only talks on behalf of children and young people, but also shows genuine interest in their perspectives.

The association's position is a sustainable future and present where all children and young people are given the opportunity to influence, grow, and create meaning in relation to others. In our national network, Sustainable Future, the work is developed together with everyone who participates. With ingenuity and drive, we in the network want to focus on children's and young people's right to use all their abilities, skills, and languages in a hundred and one ways. We believe in the power of collective learning – where different perspectives are welcomed and new ideas can emerge from encounters between people. The network is a meeting place for everyone who works in or with preschools and schools, where we explore, share experiences, and challenge each other – driven by children's and young people's curiosity, creativity, and sense of justice.

With our new vision as our compass, we as an association will continue to work to create forums where we can all develop our ability to share views. Where we can ask questions, reflect, and listen to each other in order to contribute together to a hopeful present and future—based on everyone wanting and being able to contribute. 

Text: Anna Söderström Ahrborn, educationalist in Västerås, and Leicy Olsborn Björby, artist/studio owner in Västerås. Chair and member, respectively, of the boards of Reggio Emilia Institutet AB and Reggio Emilia Institutets ekonomiska förening.

The Reggio Emilia Institute's vision

We are Sweden's meeting place for Reggio Emilia inspiration.

We create opportunities for the exchange of ideas and experiences, with a focus on dialogue and cooperation. Inspired by Reggio Emilia's educational philosophy, where education is based on a wealth of theories, perspectives, and questions, we contribute to a democratic world. Together with children and young people, we face the opportunities and challenges of today and tomorrow in order to become proactive citizens.

Preschool/school should be an adventure – for everyone – lifelong learning through curiosity and exploration.