Leadership in the Future's Kindergartens and Schools

Stiftelsen IMTEC, represented by Vigdis Vikne, Vigdis Nordahl Hansen, and Tore Skandsen, collaborates with the Nordhordland Competence Region (NKR) on leadership in future kindergartens and schools. NKR comprises the municipalities of Alver, Austrheim, Fedje, Gulen, Osterøy, Masfjorden, and Modalen. The target group for this initiative includes approximately 120 dedicated leaders in the upbringing sector who work daily to ensure high-quality services. 

On March 18, a gathering was held in Voss, featuring guest speaker Attorney Geir Lippestad. The main theme was "The Best Interests of the Child." Participants engaged in discussions on cases involving dilemmas, receiving insights from both legal and leadership perspectives. Lippestad emphasized value-based communication, highlighting the importance of meeting children, parents, and others facing challenging situations with care, recognition, and respect. Key principles include dignity, calmness, and honesty. His unique storytelling, blending personal and professional experiences, resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring leaders to enhance their practices in supporting those who may need it most. 

Siri Øksnes, Development Coordinator for the Nordhordland Competence Region, remarked:
"It is both enjoyable and important to gather leaders within the upbringing sector for the region. This facilitates collaboration across services on highly relevant topics, such as this time: The Best Interests of the Child. With contributions from IMTEC and Lippestad, we focused on the child's best interests from a leadership perspective and within the legal framework we operate. Complex, exciting, and important. Especially because municipalities must fulfill their mandates, including through the child welfare reform/upbringing reform. Value-based communication in interactions with both children and adults is a valuable tool in daily work." 

Stiftelsen IMTEC extends heartfelt thanks to the participants/leaders, Lippestad, and the Steering and Working Group for NKR. A special thanks to Siri Øksnes for her facilitation, insightful contributions, and ensuring smooth logistics for a successful event.