A life's work in the service of children and democracy
April 23, 2025
The Reggio Emilia Institute honors with great respect the memory of Carla Rinaldi, one of the most significant figures in the development of Reggio Emilia's educational philosophy. Carla Rinaldi passed away on April 16, 2025, after a short illness, but remained active until the end and recently participated in the Reggio Emilia Institute's annual meeting in Västerås.
The Reggio Emilia Institute honors with great respect the memory of Carla Rinaldi, one of the most significant figures in the development of Reggio Emilia's educational philosophy. Carla Rinaldi passed away on April 16, 2025, after a short illness, but remained active until the end and recently participated in the Reggio Emilia Institute's annual meeting in Västerås.
Carla Rinaldi began her work as the first pedagogista at the city's preschools in Reggio Emilia, where she collaborated closely with Loris Malaguzzi from early on. For decades, she has played a central role in further developing and spreading the educational approach that has emerged in Reggio Emilia – an approach that focuses on children's rights, aesthetic expression and the possibilities of democratic citizenship.
She worked for many years at Reggio Children and later became chair of Fondazione Reggio Children – Centro Loris Malaguzzi. Under her leadership, international cooperation was strengthened and several research and development projects were initiated, including in collaboration with the Lego Foundation, among others. In 2015, Carla Rinaldi was awarded the prestigious LEGO® Prize for her work promoting children's right to creativity and participation.
The Reggio Emilia Institute in Sweden has had a close relationship with Carla Rinaldi for a long time. She herself expressed strong emotional ties to Sweden, where she had previously lived and where she had repeatedly participated in educational contexts. In one of her last public posts, she wrote:
“The relationship with Sweden is colored with particularly relevant personal tones… It has also been a good opportunity to discuss the future of education and possible further collaboration, as the Reggio Emilia Institute is also a founder of Fondazione Reggio Children. So, I am very grateful for the time spent together with friends and colleagues during these meaningful days.”
At the institute's annual meeting in April 2025, Carla participated in discussions about visions and future assignments for Reggio Emilia-inspired work, both in Sweden and internationally. Despite her obvious illness, her presence and contributions were significant, marked by the intellectual acuity and ethical stance that characterized her entire career.
In connection with Carla Rinaldi's passing, Fondazione Reggio Children has opened a special fund in her memory. Donations will be used to continue the work she initiated and championed.
To the fundraiser – Fondazione Reggio Children
Carla Rinaldi's ideas and work will live on in educational practice, in research, and in discussions about how education can contribute to a more democratic and humane world.
Reggio Emilia Institute
Stockholm, April 2025
