Finland sets the gold standard for investment in youth development
Thursday, March 6, 2008

“All new things and creativity emanate from young people and culture. Without creativity, Finland cannot succeed. Therefore the Young Culture Event is sponsored by the Government.”   ~ From the Young Culture Brochure

Finland has set the gold standard for how a society should invest in its young people. This small, enlightened country understands that a good education, cultural experiences and an empowered presence in society create dividends in the future.

It is by far cheaper to invest in the development of our youth today than it is to pay for joblessness, crime and incarceration tomorrow. The Finnish people are willing to pay more taxes to provide a free education for its young citizens, an education that includes a commitment to cultural and artistic development.

Having a music degree, I take special interest in music education. In all my travels, I have never been in a country where so many young people are making music … from classical, jazz to heavy metal rock. The musical literacy among the young Finns is astounding.

During our Cultural Youth Work conference in Kuopio in late February, we met Panu Mäenpääm cultural coordinator for The Office of Young Culture. “Supporting cultural activities for young people on their own terms is an important part of our culture,” he explained, adding: “It’s written into Finnish law.”

Wait a minute. Did I hear Panu right? There was a collective pause in the room, and he nodded and said, “yes … it’s in the law.” I could tell he has experienced the reaction before.

All across the country, the Young Culture program gives thousands of young people the chance to perform or present their artistic endeavors to the public and to receive constructive feedback from professionals in the field. It’s not a competition. Everyone wins participating in a Young Culture sponsored event.

In the English version of its current program brochure, Young Culture states: “There is a pearl inside you: capacity, enthusiasm, perception. Find it. Develop it. Show it to others.”
This program also adheres to a strong principal that all activities should be on “young people’s own terms.” Adults serve as advisors … offering guidance but not dictating how participants should pursue or present their work. “New and experimental culture” is encouraged.

Sure, Finland taxes its citizens aggressively, but can you imagine if we, in the U.S.A., wouldn’t vilify taxes and would be willing to pay a bit more in support of youth? We may never match Finland, but wouldn’t it be great if we could take a few steps in that direction?

To learn more about Young Culture in Finland, click here for its English website: http://www.nuorikulttuuri.fi/sivu.php?artikkeli_id=23

Home