August transitions into the pulse of September
The City Board started its work at the beginning of August, and the first City Council meeting after the summer break was held at the end of the month. Important and major issues have been on the agenda at the start of the season. In particular, the City Council discussed affordable housing and how to ensure it continues in Helsinki.
We also met with representatives from the six largest cities in the beautiful city of Turku. While each city is unique, we share major common challenges to address, such as staff shortages and preventing segregation.
The school year has started
Together with sector director Satu, we made our now traditional greeting to the sector’s employees. You can see in the video what expectations we have for this autumn:
Of course, we are also preparing for the annual budget negotiations at the turn of October and November.
The pace will certainly be quite intense throughout the school year, as we are already quickly approaching the end of this council term. In early September, the committees will begin discussing the budget proposals.
Meetings and visits started in August
In August, I visited various schools and kindergartens. You can read about my visit to the Vaapukka daycare with the mayor through the link below. The article highlights perspectives on the benefits of a campus for young children. The campus consists of a playground, daycare, and school.
https://www.hel.fi/…/paivakodin-viihtyisyys-ei-ole…
Meetings and international guests also returned to the calendar immediately in August. A delegation from The Gambia visited to learn about the education and training sector. It was great to hear their thoughts on developing education and the needs they have.
Mobile phones in Helsinki schools
Starting this fall, greater attention is being paid to mobile phone usage in Helsinki schools. This is an important issue for us as a city. There will also be Parent Evenings where the partnership between homes and schools will be reinforced in this matter.
We are collaborating with the Finnish Brain Association as part of the National Brain Health Program 2023–2029. In partnership with the association, a pilot project aimed at reducing mobile phone use was conducted at Arabia comprehensive school. Together with adults, alternative activities were sought to replace mobile phone use. The goal was also to raise awareness among children, young people, and adults about the impact of mobile phone and smart device use on brain health.
An article on the topic from this summer in Finnish: https://www.hs.fi/mielipide/art-2000010545546.html
Come listen and discuss current issues in education
Helsinki for all children and youth!
Time: Thursday, 12th of September, at 17:00
Place: SDP Party Office, Ympyrätalo (Siltasaarenkatu 18-20 C, 6th floor)
Speakers at the event (in Finnish only):
- Johanna Laisaari, Deputy Mayor
- Markku Rantahalvari, Member of the Education Committee
- Irja Vaateri, Vice Chair, SYL
- Jaana Kesänen, Chief Shop Steward, JHL
- Kirsi Sutton, Senior Special Advisor, OAJ
The event will begin with coffee service at 17:00, and presentations will start at 17:30.
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