Big student demonstration in Finland: WE DID IT!
On 20th March, a nice Wednesday morning, about 5 000 students gathered in Helsinki. But why?
Finnish student unions (SAKKI, SLL, SAMOK, OSKU, SYL), two of which are OBESSU Member Organisations, wanted better student allowances and they also wanted to ensure that the government did not cut the budget allocated to student money. It was because of these concerns that student unions decided to make a big demonstration in Helsinki’s city centre. They decided to walk together and make their voice heard in the streets of Helsinki.
The demonstration started at Helsinki’s Senate square and moved from there along the streets to the House of Parliament. There was a really good atmosphere at the demonstration. There was good music, a lot of people and most importantly an important message. The weather was on the student unions’ side, with the sun coming out, and everyone was happy and liked to be part of something bigger than themselves and significant.
At about 14.00, students gathered in front of the House of Parliament to be heard. There was someone from all the political parties telling the politicians about the concerns for student allowances. As a result, they all guaranteed to the students that they will not cut from student allowances. That made students even happier and it could be seen from the cheers. After the demonstration there was concert where people went and continued to listen to good music.
The demonstration was really big success, not only because the the student organisations got their message heard, but they also did something really big together and this was a good way to show politicians that if they do not think about student rights, the students will come and tell them their message.
The following day all of Finland heard the solutions which the government made and it made students really happy. They did not cut funds from students and VET students got 18 million Euros going to student allowances and 15-30 million Euros to apprenticeships. WE DID IT!
Written by Musa Jallow
