Aalto University Student Union, Student Union of the University of Helsinki, Student Union of Sibelius Academy, Student Union of Hanken
Statement
30 April 2011
Free for publication
Notables in Helsinki concerned about the future of students
Before May Day, the student unions in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area turned to notable people and characters and asked what they think about matters concerning students.
Ståhlberg, the first President of Finland, and the horse statue Äidinrakkaus (Maternal Love), valued by the residents of Helsinki, are concerned about students’ income. “I insist: tie student financial aid to the index!” snarls the old-school statesman Ståhlberg, with a suggestive look towards the Members of Parliament who are pondering the government programme in the Parliament House. “With the parent’s increase, mothers could also afford to study” accompanies the tiny foal in the statue.
The discussion of sacrificing the world’s most equal education system to tuition fees seems to begin again. The stone faces are particularly concerned about the effects of a family’s wealth on the education opportunities of the youth.”Seven Brothers novel would not exist if education opportunities were determined by wealth”, remarks the beloved national author Aleksis Kivi.
The hectic modern life and studies trigger comments from the statues. “Why should we hurry and complete identical degrees?”, ponders Paavo Nurmi, a renowned Finnish runner. It is particularly worrying how young people will cope in the labour market. During their career of almost 80 years, the guys in the Three Smiths Statue have found out the hard way that working your fingers to the bone is not the main thing!”
With these wise words, the Student Unions of Aalto University, the University of Helsinki and Hanken School of Economics wish you relaxed and joyous May Day!
Signatories:
Saara Hyrkkö, Chairperson of the Board
Aalto University Student Union
Leena Pihlajamäki, Chairperson of the Board
Student Union of the University of Helsinki
Tuomas Saloniemi, Chairman of the Executive Board
Student Union of Sibelius Academy
Cecilia Gundersby, Chairperson of the Board
Student Union of Hanken