REI Reggio Emilia Institutet

Reggio Emilia Institutet in Sweden is driven by a strong pedagogical idea which is inspired by the municipal preschools in Reggio Emilia in Italy. Since it was established in 1993, the Institute has been a meeting place for everybody in Sweden who wants to examine and work for the rights and opportunities of children and young people.

Reggio Emilia Institutet tries to connect various competences and activities from the idea of a cooperative form of learning through collective experimentation.

A form of learning that is always in movement on the basis of investigation and participation in dialogue, at the local and national level but also internationally.

"We need school as a tool for democracy, as a place where we can meet people different from us, working and learning together so as to create a sense of belonging. And when Mayor Graziano Delrio asked the Reggio Emilia Institutet to be part of the Foundation, it was obvious and important for us to say yes, we can, to quote Obama! When we made our decision within the Board of Directors, we did so feeling honoured and happy, but with a humble spirit. Honoured because we feel we are part of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Children and the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre. With a humble spirit because we have become part of a bigger and more important idea than any of us. We are happy because we have the opportunity to show the schools of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Children and the city of Reggio Emilia our gratitude in a time of crisis, to repay part of all the work, all the possibilities, inspiration and hope that your work has given us over the years.”

29 September 2011 - Birgitta Kennedy Reggio Emilia Institutet