Finland’s Experiment with Small Voices

Finland’s New Citizens’ Panels Open the Door to Participation for Children and Youth with Immigrant Backgrounds

Karl Balloch

Something beautiful is happening in Finland for children and young people. Although. it is not the very first time in history that Finland invites and offers a forum to young people, including those from immigrant backgrounds, in decision-making. However, the Finnish Ministry of Justice has launched a new trial project establishing two “citizens’ panels”: one for children and one for youth. These panels will give young people a seat at the table where real issues are discussed and solutions are born. The purpose of creating these panels is how to prevent youth and children committing crimes and how their voices can be equally heard in national policy-making forums.

As Antti Leinonen, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, said, “Democracy is about discussing and participating in common issues, not just about voting.” To make this happen, Finland calls its young people to be part of that discussion and decision making not tomorrow, but today and here and now.

Why This Matters for Immigrant-Background Youth

 

For young people who have roots in more than one culture, this initiative is more than just a project. It’s an invaluable opportunity to belong and be heard. There are many smart and creative immigrant-background youth who are eager to contribute for the peace and prosperity for their host society but sometimes they don’t know how or where their voice fits in.

These citizens’ panels are offering them opportunities to come forward and play their roles and participate in national conversations about trust, safety, and inclusion for a crime-free society. Through these citizens’ panels immigrant-background youth help the government better understand the challenges they face such as cultural pressure and language barriers, and also similarly immigrant-background youth get advantage from said panels to interact with local young people and national leaders.

Inviting immigrant-background youth to take part of these citizens’ panels shows something powerful: that they are not outsiders but insiders helping build a peaceful society for all residents.

I would like to list few things for those growing up between two cultures in Finland:

 

• Be available and participate. Join youth centers (nuorisotalo), school discussions, or get yourself registered for these new panels. Your perspective is valuable.
• Know the rules, respect the norms. Learning about Finnish laws and everyday etiquette such as honesty, punctuality, and equality and practice them in your life.
• Stay connected. If you feel isolated, make friends, if you are confused, talk with your teacher, social worker, or even the local community police (yhteisöpoliisi). They’re here to help, not to judge.
• Give back. Register yourself as a volunteer for social services and with NGOs. Such activities prove that you are here to contribute.
• Share your story. If you feel that no one knows you as an individual. Take initiative to tell others about your journey, your family traditions, and your dreams. This is how understanding grows.

Attention Parents:

Walking beside your children plays a powerful role and leaves long-lasting impacts. Attending parent-teacher meetings, sharing and hearing from other parents, asking about youth projects and activities, or even seeking advice from the local social office (sosiaali) can make a big difference. These interactions help parents understand the Finnish social system better and prepare their children’s mind to adapt the host communities etiquettes and social norms for a swift interaction when they grow up and become adults.

Building Trust, Together

The Establishment of these citizen’s panels for youth and children signifies that every voice matters, no matter where it comes from. They reflect Finland’s belief that listening, yes, truly listening to its young people creates a safer, prosper, united and crime-free society.

For immigrant families, this is a chance to grow roots deep into their host society and also have wings to fly above isolation, negativity and differences. This is a chance to be part of the story of a Finland that welcomes, invests, adapts, and listens.

These citizens’ panels simply mean that your ideas matter. Your presence matters. And your voice be heard, especially now and here and it can help today to shape the Finland of tomorrow.

Source: Yle News – “Finland testing new ways to involve kids and youth in decision-making”

Ministry of Justice project