Director General of the International Baccalaureate Organization, Mr Olli-Pekka Heinonen in the meeting with the Chief Minister Jagan said:
Honb’le Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Senior Minister Botcha Satyanarayana, Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues and distinguished guests, I feel truly honoured to stand before you today to announce this exciting news that marks a significant milestone in the journey of the International Baccalaureate. I’m thrilled to announce a new and transformative partnership between the IB and the government of Andhra Pradesh.
With this signing of the letter of intent, it is clear that we both share the belief of the transformative power of Education and we are grateful to the Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and then senior minister Satyanarayana for the hospitality and for trusting us at the IB as worthy partners in serving the children and educational future of Andhra Pradesh.
We are embarking on a journey to explore how our education can be a catalyst for economic advancement and for creating more inclusive society. Our collective goal is to equip young individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to not only flourish themselves, but also contribute to our global community in the years ahead. At the IB, our purpose is clear, we want to reach more young people so that students from Srikakulam to Kurnool have access to a high quality global minded education.
Our growth in Andhra Pradesh reflects our dedication to providing all students with access to an education that enables them to flourish and connect them to the broader global community. Today at the IB, we are actively collaborating with schools to innovate and enhance our programmes. We are putting choice, well being and real world relevance, at the core of our offerings, ensuring that our students are well prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
We are also imparting and embracing technological achievements, including digital assessments and exploring options related to AI and online education. Our partnership with Andhra Pradesh is a testament to the IB’s commitment to increase access to quality education. We recognise the alignment of the National Education Policy, 2020 with our curriculum and value them. Both the NEP and the IB share a vision of education that nurtures good human beings capable of rational thought, compassion, creativity and ethical value.
The IB learner profile mirrors these principles fostering inquisitive and child centre learners. Indeed, there are remarkable similarities between the NEP and the IB. From the focus on the learner as a discoverer to the emphasis on teacher training, play based learning and flexible curriculum choices. The IB structure and K 12 programmes aligned seamlessly with the NEPS goals. And our commitment to multilingualism and critical thinking resonates with the NEP’s vision of global citizenship. We’re proud to say that the IB is well recognised in India with our middle years and diploma programmes equated to grade 10 and 12 qualifications by the Council of Boards of school education.
Though, our programmes are also acknowledged by the Association of Indian universities and esteemed private higher education institutions, for Indian students seeking education abroad, IB programmes often serve as a passport exempting them from language proficiency test. Currently, there are 224 IB World Schools with 378 authorised programmes in India, reflecting the widespread recognition acceptance of the IB’s education curriculum. We are actively working to expand our presence further with numerous schools in the process of authorization. In conclusion, this partnership with Andhra Pradesh is a testament to our shared commitment to educational inclusivity. Together, we will try to provide high quality education to more young people, regardless of their circumstances and prepare them to thrive in an ever changing world.
I look forward to the exciting journey and the positive impact we can create together. Personally, I’m also looking forward to being able to visit the schools, educators, members of education administration, and decision makers of Andhra Pradesh, to make sure the needs are well met and our goals aligned. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to the mission of the International Baccalaureate. Starting here in Andhra Pradesh, we can truly make a difference in the lives of young people and the future of the world. Thank you.
