Writing for Rights: Tuuli, 10, Finland
Hi,
I have been a member in the Children’s Parliament in my school almost a whole year. We meet once a week and there are two representatives from each class. We also have one adult participating, a teacher.
I think that child rights and the opinions of children are well perceived in Finland. If adults feel that the ideas make sense, they can be implemented.
In the Children’s Parliament we can decide about things in our school and influence many things. We have given suggestions with regard to the food that is served at school. We were given the opportunity to give our opinion on the quality of the food and propose new dishes. Last time we wished for dessert, like chocolate cake, but we do not know yet if our wish will be granted.
We have also planned a school disco and thought of what kind of things we would need for our school. We wished, for example, for toilet refreshers and this was granted, so now the toilets have a nice scent.
The Children’s Parliament also wished that all pupils over the age of 11 years should be allowed to use their mobile phones during break. This wish was made to the teacher present in the Children’s Parliament. But it was not granted, since teachers cannot control what all students are doing with their phones during breaks.
The Children’s Parliament is very important, since it is a way of advocating for things that bring joy to all students. Teachers have listened to our opinions well and with an open mind. They have also taken our suggestions forward to the City of Vantaa (for example, the food suggestions). You should listen to us children, since in many cases we might be smarter than adults.
I think that child rights and the opinions of children are well perceived in Finland. If adults feel that the ideas make sense, they can be implemented. I realised already when I was little that Finland is a quite equal country, even for children.
Tuuli, 10-years-old, Finland