Dear students, May Day celebrators, and teekkari students,Happy May Day!The atmosphere today is excellent – just as it should be when celebrating Vappu. Nevertheless, I cannot help but feel concern for the future.Esteemed Government of Finland,
At the mid-term policy review session held a week ago, the government's goal was to strengthen Finland's economic growth. However, I disagree with the measures claimed to promote this growth.
Growth is not built by cutting from what is our nation’s pride: education.
High-quality and accessible higher education as well as a skilled and educated nation – these are our natural resources. They do not deplete when invested in, but deteriorate rapidly when subjected to cuts.
While there is talk of the need to increase the number of highly educated people, decisions are being made to cut basic funding for universities.
We know that Finland’s economy needs growth. Raising the level of education is a sure and reliable path to economic growth – as has been proven by our peers in OECD countries. And yet, there seems to be no real commitment to the goal of raising the number of highly educated people to 50% of the nation.
Not in the government, and not even in the higher education institutions. Universities must commit to this shared dream and be ready to increase the number of study places. The government must increase the funding for education, not cut it – as was done in the recent mid-term policy review session. The 2035 deadline for the 50% goal is approaching fast. At this pace, raising the education level – and with it, economic growth – will fall flat.
It is crystal clear that these decisions are not based solely on economic realities, but on values. Values that view education as an expense rather than a driver of growth.
Globally, higher education is highly valued and heavily invested in. So how has the “education miracle nation” lost that appreciation? It is no surprise we are falling behind the world’s most successful countries.
This lack of appreciation is also visible in working life. Students are increasingly expected to hold multiple degrees, international experience, and practical achievements – so why is a single degree no longer seen as enough?
I am especially concerned about how this devaluation reflects on students’ mental health. If the daily work of a student is not valued by society, how can one find meaning in their role in this society?Beloved people of Turku,
Turku has been a student city for nearly 800 years – and still is today. We students bring color, vitality, and voice to Turku.
As students, we hope that Turku offers us the conditions for a diverse and well-rounded student life. That means opportunities for exercise, functioning public transport – yes, we students dream of a tram – and affordable, student-friendly housing. This is the recipe for a happy student who falls in love with Turku for life.
Every year, a large number of international students arrive at our university, yet only a few succeed in integrating into Finnish student culture, learning the language, or finding a place in working life after graduation. As a result, both the University of Turku and the city as a whole lose valuable resources and potential.
We have failed in helping the international students to integrate into Finnish society. We must work together to break down language barriers and enable the genuine inclusion of international students at the university, in businesses, and in student communities.
Collaboration is the most important foundation for economic growth. We must be ready to work together regardless of our differences. By creating unnecessary barriers, we also create obstacles to growth and well-being.
Discrimination, inappropriate treatment, exclusion – why are these still part of our daily lives? Whether it’s about one’s field of study, background, or gender – these should have no place in our student culture. So why do we let it persist and accept inequality and exclusion?Dear university students!
I want to look ahead – to the future. Every one of these problems has a solution. And that solution is us. We are the builders of the future – of Finland, of Turku, and of our student culture. Our actions matter. We decide what tomorrow looks like.
Amidst cuts, we support one another. We reject individualistic thinking in the modern world and see each other as part of a community.
We hold in our hands all the tools to create growth. We are bold, inventive, and innovative. If saving the economy was easy, it would already be done – but each of us can play a part. Every action matters.
We are building the future of Turku, Finland, and the world. We will pass on the fruits of our labor to future students.
Together, we are more. And together, friends, we will change the course of this world.
So let us celebrate that – together.Dear May Day celebrators, the moment has come!STUDENTS – CAPS ON!
HAPPY MAY DAY!