Giving Icelandic Time in Hafnarfjörður’s Preschools

Hafnarfjörður Receives a Grant – Giving Icelandic Time

The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður has received a grant of ISK 8,185,000 from the Ministry of Children and Education to strengthen the Icelandic language skills, self-confidence, and participation of staff in Hafnarfjörður’s preschools in society.

“I am both pleased and proud to see the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður receive this grant,” says Hildur Ýr Jónsdóttir, Project Manager for Multicultural Affairs at the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður, who is working on the project.

“This is part of ensuring that everyone can be active participants in society. It is also a springboard for preschool staff in the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður to grow professionally. Hafnarfjörður will support its staff so that they can study during their preparation time and become stronger in their work,” she says. “We want to strengthen the foundation of the Icelandic language environment in preschools and are looking toward the view that language learning is not only the responsibility of the individual, but also of society.”

Hildur Ýr Jónsdóttir, Project Manager for Multicultural Affairs; Sólborg Jónsdóttir from Mímir; Guðlaug Stella Brynjólfsdóttir from Íslenskuþorp HÍ; and Aleksandra Kozimala, Educational Officer for Multicultural Affairs in our preschools.

Working with Mímir and the University of Iceland

The project is carried out in collaboration with Mímir – Lifelong Learning and is based on the teaching methods of the University of Iceland’s Íslenskuþorp, which has demonstrated strong results in work-related language learning.

“The aim of the project is to design and implement a comprehensive workplace-based Icelandic language program, where specialized, job-related content is integrated with the pedagogical approach of Mímir and Íslenskuþorp,” says Hildur. The project includes work-related Icelandic language courses, training of language mentors, education and support for staff and managers, as well as the active use of Icelandic in daily work.

Special emphasis will be placed on participants’ professional development. Through structured workplace-based Icelandic instruction, employees gain both language proficiency and professional competence, strengthening their position within the preschool. “They are given opportunities to take the next steps in their studies or careers within the field of upbringing and education, and in this way the project promotes greater equality, professionalism, and job satisfaction.”

Addressing an urgent need

Hildur says the project responds to an urgent need, as a large proportion of preschool staff speak Icelandic as a second language. Through innovation and a holistic approach, it strengthens the quality of Icelandic language instruction, enhances inclusion and cohesion, and encourages continuing education and professional development.

As described, the outcome of the project will be a model for how specialized teaching methods, workplace learning, and daily practice can be woven together to promote inclusion and the future development of staff across multiple fields. The project uses everyday interactions as opportunities for language learning and strengthens social connectedness, with Icelandic becoming a living and accessible tool for everyone.

“Now the preparation and planning phase for the instruction itself begins. Mímir will design the learning materials, and we will assess participation interest. We already know there is a need for this. The teaching itself will then begin this autumn,” says Hildur.