Espoo to introduce anti-racism training for primary school pupils in 2025
Espoo will launch a new anti-racism education programme for pupils in grades 4–6 next year, pending approval of funding from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The decision was confirmed on Tuesday by Juha Nurmi, Director of Basic Education for the City of Espoo, following an official approval process.
The initiative, titled the More Equal School project, will be led by the Education for Life Foundation in partnership with the city. The project is set to run for nearly three years, beginning in January 2025 and concluding in October 2029. A formal agreement will be finalised once signed, though its validity depends on securing external funding (Iltalehti).
The Education for Life Foundation has applied for €600,000 in funding from THL, with Espoo contributing €13,000 in self-financing, primarily covering labour costs (Yle). If approved, the project will be implemented across all Finnish-language primary schools in Espoo for the specified age group between 2027 and 2029 (Yle).
Age-appropriate discussions on discrimination
The training will be tailored to children’s developmental stages, focusing on topics such as what discrimination is and how to avoid it, even unconsciously. Sami Teikko, Executive Director of the Education for Life Foundation, emphasised that the goal is to help children recognise the sensitivities around discrimination (Yle).
Nurmi noted that similar anti-racist education has already been trialled in some Espoo schools, with positive feedback. He highlighted that multilingual students often face exclusion or bullying, making such initiatives particularly relevant (Yle).
Foundation’s role and background
The Education for Life Foundation, established in 2001, is a non-religious and non-political organisation focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being. As the primary implementer of the project, it will oversee practical management, financial matters, and compliance with THL’s funding conditions (Iltalehti).
The news was first reported by Länsiväylä. If THL rejects the funding application, the current agreement and authorisation will expire (Iltalehti).