Dare to Learn – the melting pot for educationists in Helsinki

The second Dare to Learn event showcased the best conventions and the brightest new ideas on education and learning.

Over 4000 people interested in learning and education gathered together in Helsinki in September 18-19 to experience the biggest learning festival in Northern Europe.

The content and methods of the event were planned keeping in mind the results of research on learning: an active program, inspiration and time for one’s own ideas and thoughts. Started by a non-profit association, Dare to Learn event was now organized for the second time, and again sold out.

The program of the international two-day event compiled quite a spectrum of various themes. Keynotes, workshops, and talks were held under themes Developmental Organizational Culture, Emotions and Learning, Self-directed Learning, Learning for Sustainability and Curriculum 2026: What should we learn next?

The underlying idea of the event is to refresh life-long learning and to emphasize self-learning.

“Everyone talks about lifelong learning, but what do we really do to promote it? Now, we have the opportunity to build together a culture that genuinely supports learning. The ability to learn and human development have a role in changing the world as does technology – or even more,” says Akseli Huhtanen, Program Manager at the event.

According to the organizers, learning is often seen as formal education, and public debate often only revolves around education policy. Against this backdrop, they felt the importance to create a place where different actors, from teachers to staff developers, and from trade unions to education start-ups could meet up and share their thoughts on learning.

The organizers believe that the diversity of visitors, the participatory program and an appropriate amount of madness will produce the best events that will have an impact on the future.

The partners of the event included the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland and the City of Helsinki.