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Education International
Education International

Finland: Campaign kicks-off to defend teachers and quality education

published 10 October 2014 updated 14 October 2014

Along with an activist dressed as a rooster, the symbol of reading, learning and education for some 500 years, representatives of Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö called for “No cuts to the education budget!"

The message of the Finnish teachers’ union Opetusalan Ammattijärjestö (OAJ) was simple: “Education is the human capital Finland has needed and still needs very much!”

In August, OAJ started a major campaign to save education in Finland. On streets and in meetings, the OAJ is reminding people that investment in education and teachers is needed in Finland. OAJ president Olli Luukkainen met with local politicians and decision-makers and reminded them of the importance of education.

“In April 2015, we will hold parliamentary elections in Finland,” said Luukkainen. “Education has to be developed through long-term programmes. We cannot accept decisions threatening the future of coming generations. The new MPs have to understand the importance of education.”

EI commends its Finnish colleagues for their efforts in favour of quality education and teachers in their country. “We urge national public authorities, in Finland and elsewhere, to make adequate investments to ensure access to quality education for all,” said EI General Secretary Fred van Leeuwen.