Education in Finland

Finland’s Quest for Healthy Students: ongoing projects (continued)

• Many of Finland’s health-based initiatives take a holistic approach. For example, in many of the health projects carried out within schools, the first step is to interview staff about their nutritional understandings, opinions, and wishes. This includes nurses, cafeteria personnel, teachers, and support staff. An approach is then devised based on the needs and strengths of the staff. Once the program is planned, it is implemented with support from within and outside school. As the project progresses, informal and formal assessments take place, which may lead to modifications, if necessary. The projects usually tie into the nutrition health curriculum (Raiha, Tossavainen, Enkenberg, & Turunen, 2012).

Finland Project: School Environmental Studies

• The Finnish Ministry of Environment and National Board of Education have been working in unison to develop programs aimed at getting students interested and active in the study and protection of Finland’s environment and natural resources (Uitto, Juuti, Lavonen, Byman, & Meisalo (2011).
• Not only will these programs help to call students to action, but they will also determine the direction and reach that future classes and courses (as well as the national curriculum) take.
• The Sciences have been a strong academic area for Finnish students in recent years, though they have not fully succeeded in their (informal) goal of surpassing Sweden, which is sometimes blamed for the pollution Finland is experiencing.
• Finland is primarily concerned with air and water pollution, as well as wildlife preservation. 4 of the nation's 60 mammal species and 4 of its 248 breeding bird species are currently threatened (Encyclopedia of the Nations, 2013).

Finland Project: School Environmental Studies (continued)

• Environmental protection classes and programs have been primarily for intermediate and secondary-level students, but even young Finnish students are taught about the environment, pollution, conservation, preservation, and other topics related to environmental protection.
• Universities in Helsinki and Turku offer advanced studies (Master’s and Doctorate degrees) in environmental studies.