Connecting with Swedish Cultural Heritage: The Ilon Wikland Exhibition
Lotta Bartosch, Principal & General Director, and Cecilia Chaim, Head of Finance & Operations at the Swedish International School of Geneva, recently travelled to Emmenbrücke, Lucerne, to attend the vernissage of Herbert Werder. A highlight of the evening was the inclusion of illustrations by Ilon Wikland, the artist behind many of Sweden’s most iconic literary characters.
A Bridge to Swedish Culture
Ilon Wikland’s work is inseparable from the stories of Astrid Lindgren. For many, her illustrations of Karlsson-on-the-Roof or The Brothers Lionheart are the first window into Swedish traditions and values. At Swedish International School of Geneva, we recognise that language, learning, and the development of identity are closely linked. By keeping Swedish literature present in our community, we provide our students with a sense of continuity and a "red thread" to their heritage.
Literature in the Curriculum
The Swedish curriculum, which we follow at Swedish International School of Geneva, highlights that the school is a social and cultural meeting place. Our educational goals include:
Transferring cultural heritage: The school's task involves transferring and developing a cultural heritage — including values, traditions, history, language, and knowledge — from one generation to the next.
Language Development: We place great emphasis on stimulating language development by offering a stimulating environment where children listen to and discuss literature and other texts.
Aesthetic Expression: Education provides children with the opportunity to experience and communicate through various aesthetic forms of expression, such as images, form, and music.
Reflecting on Timeless Stories
Engaging with these illustrations allowed us to reflect on how narratives of the past remain relevant in our time. Our curriculum includes depictions of life before and now in children's literature, covering essential life issues like friendship and relationships. These works help our pupils develop empathy and an understanding of the world around them.
We extend our sincere thanks to the organisers for an inspiring evening that celebrated the enduring power of Swedish illustration and storytelling.
