Räävi, Iida

Introduction

I’m standing as a candidate in the Youth Council elections because I have a keen interest in influencing the joint decision-making in the city. I have strong opinions on many issues and I always try to consider things from various perspectives. There is a lot to be developed in Helsinki, and I believe that the fresh opinions and ideas of young people are key to this development. Modern-day equality and multiculturalism, and taking them into consideration, is just one of the development targets. In my opinion, climate change, education and mental health issues are important aspects of urban life. Sadly, art has also become a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many questions regarding the urban environment remain open due to the construction boom.

Music is one of my main hobbies. I play the violin, sing and dance. In my spare time, I like to read a variety of things and also paint, if I have the time. I also find hiking in the forest relaxing when I’m stressed out!

Kruununhaan yläaste

 

Answers to the election machine

Schools should have more days during which they only serve vegetarian food.

Current meat production allows meat to be eaten on a daily basis, at the cost of animal rights and nature, of course. If red meat and chicken were eaten less often, the ethical and environmental aspects would be taken into account in production. In schools, this can be promoted by reducing the offering of meat dishes.

 

Schools should focus on grouping more extensively than now.

Absolutely! Group support and an accepting and relaxed atmosphere are one of the cornerstones of life for many people – as long as this cornerstone is intact, other parts of life are also in order. Although young people themselves affect group cohesion the most, the school can influence things a lot by holding joint campaigns and events. An atmosphere that accepts diversity!

 

Distance learning needs to be established as a permanent learning method in addition to contact teaching.

Distance learning gives less opportunities to practise important future skills such as cooperation, talking face to face and group work skills. If it became an established teaching method, many people would easily be excluded from the group. The teaching would also be unclear. Distance learning could still work in cases of illness.

 

The competitiveness of young people’s sports activities should be reduced.

The competitiveness of recreational activities causes many young people to quit their sport when the goals become more demanding. On the other hand, competition is often inspiring and boosts team spirit. Young people must be allowed to walk their own paths, make their own decisions and take care of their health. A more relaxed atmosphere would improve their ability to do so.

 

The City of Helsinki should primarily offer summer jobs to those young people who do not yet have work experience.

Summer jobs teach young people a lot about working life. This is also important for their future working life. If the City took the lack of work experience into account when selecting young people for summer jobs, more young people would have an opportunity to practise for working life. Experienced young people also have a better chance at being employed by a private company.

 

The public spaces in Helsinki should maintain the division between women’s and men’s toilets.

From now on, unisex toilets could be built in public spaces. However, this requires cleanliness and every toilet to be equipped with the same supplies. Women and girls can feel uncomfortable in public toilets because of their periods. Other people’s privacy must therefore be respected.

 

Helsinki should start offering free public transport to those under 18.

Even if free public transport meant that the City earned less income, the use of public transport would increase in the long run and make up for the lack of customers caused by COVID-19. Money would no longer be an obstacle to travel. Young people would be able to travel more independently, and mobility would increase. Driving a car is not worth it.

 

It would be better if there were no e-scooters in Helsinki.

E-scooters are a convenient mode of transport as such, as long as they are used correctly and the restrictions are followed. The current system and restrictions are confusing. If e-scooters are not removed from use, their speed should be reduced. Shared parking facilities next to bicycle parking, for example, would also reduce misuse.

 

For a member of the Youth Council, pushing their own goals through is a more important quality than agreeing on compromises.

My ultimate goal is always to reach a compromise, but I also always try to push my own views when debating, and I do not give up easily. Others are more likely to listen to you if you also listen to them. Change is not possible without a firm opinion, but an agreement is ultimately the sum of different firm opinions.

 

On which topics would you like the Youth Council to focus, in particular? Select the three that are the most important to you.

In my opinion, equality and equal opportunities must never be pushed to the background. They are always a current issue in a growing city. School and education are in part connected to them. Education is undergoing a major change, and young people’s opinions must absolutely be taken into account. The status of art should be considered more because of COVID-19.