Jörfi, Vinagarður and Tjörn receive Inspiration Awards

Recognition of exemplary work

Vinagarður received the award for its music, dance and choir project, Jörfi for its creative arts project and Tjörn for its greenhouse project. A total of 55 nominations were submitted this year.

The awards are intended to foster innovation and recognize new developments in the field. The awards recognize the outstanding work of the winning preschools, celebrating their dedication to children and highlighting their efforts as a model for others in the field.

Music, dance and choir project - Vinagarður

Gerður Bolladóttir leads the project in the oldest division at Vinagarður preschool. There, children are introduced to different musical instruments and learn rhythm and various dances. The division also runs a choir where children learn performance skills and discipline. Singing is a major part of the preschool's activities, and children learn performance skills while the singing provides a strong foundation for further learning in both music and general education.

Vinagarður is an independently operated preschool run by KFUM. The selection committee's official statement says the project is both interesting and valuable. The committee also noted that this emphasis on music and singing has a significant impact on children's linguistic development. "Children who participate in choral activities develop a strong self-image, confidence in their abilities and achieve success. The project aligns with all main objectives of Reykjavík's Education Policy."

The art workshop at Jörfi - Jörfi

In Jörfi preschool's art workshop, Sanja Líf Markovic has created exemplary work that has become a model for creative early childhood education nationwide. Under Sanja Líf's leadership, the art program has developed into a well-organized and vibrant space where children can explore, experiment and create based on their own interests. The art workshop emphasizes an inquiry-based approach, independence, collaboration and diverse expression in the spirit of Reggio Emilia philosophy. The program addresses the diverse needs of children, creating an environment that supports creativity, self-confidence and joy in learning. The art workshop has also forged strong ties to the community through its popular Instagram page, leading to regular visits from other preschools.

The selection committee's official statement says Sanja Líf's creativity and determination in Jörfi's art workshop is exceptional and that the children are clearly engaged in constant exploration and growth. "It's wonderful to see the children work on these diverse projects where their joy and engagement are especially apparent. Creation is a complex process that is fundamentally based on curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, but also on knowledge, initiative, and skill. Creation takes flight where challenges are varied, questions are open, solutions are many, and emphasis is on execution and its visibility. The work at Jörfi is truly in the spirit of Reykjavík's Education Policy."

Dreams can come true - Tjörn

Parents of children at Tjörn took the initiative to make preschool director Hulda's dream come true. She had long dreamed of having a greenhouse on the school grounds. Parents decided to start fundraising through a Karolína fund and managed to raise 300,000 króna. They also received a grant from Sumargjöf and purchased a greenhouse. There, children grow peppers, potatoes, rhubarb and cabbage under the guidance of project manager Ásta Ragnheiður Júlíusdóttir, where care, sustainability and patience take center stage. The project is an example of outstanding collaboration between parents and teachers, and the greenhouse will serve as an additional workspace from late March through October.

The selection committee's official statement says the project is a telling example of how the combined efforts of children, parents and staff can lead to success in so many ways. "Reykjavík's Education Policy states that through a dynamic learning environment, children gain education and experience to make their dreams come true and make a positive impact on their environment and society. This project truly embodies that spirit, and the children's fundamental knowledge of society, nature and sustainability has increased considerably."

Selection Committee:

Alexandra Briem chair, Ásta Björg Björgvinsdóttir, Stefán Pálsson and Sabine Leskopf, elected representatives on the School & Recreation Council.
Andrea Sigurjónsdóttir representative for the Preschool Teachers Association, Halldóra Guðmundsdóttir administrators' representative for preschools and Indíana Rós Ægisdóttir parent representative.