Helsinki, a city that takes care of its young people.
Salla Merikukka – Trade union communications manager and photography entrepreneur from Kalasatama – running for City Council.
I am running for municipal election this spring, above all, so that Helsinki would take care of its young people. First of all, it is fair to young people, but also necessary for society as a whole.
With urbanization, more people are constantly coming to Helsinki, and the number of young people, in particular, is growing strongly. Each of them must be well taken care of and young people must also be prioritized in decision-making. In Helsinki, this is concretely done first and foremost in budget negotiations.
Investing in youth work, preventive services, and the well-being of young people is humanly necessary because youth is valuable in itself. Young people are also valuable to society as a whole, so we cannot aFord to push a single young person aside. In Helsinki, we can criticize the government’s policy, which is driving young people into distress.
My heart beats for young people and youth work, but also for a hometown where everyone can live a joyful life, make their dreams come true, and enjoy nature. Vibrant and sustainable urban culture, small businesses, and happy furry friends are important topics for me.
Important for me:
Prioritizing the welfare of young people
The way Helsinki takes care of its young people is a crucial question for the future of Finland. We have to dare to prioritize young people and their welfare in all decision- making.
Most young people are doing well, but those who are not, are struggling even more. Helsinki should especially invest in the well-being of these young people.
The development of differentiation in the well-being of young people should be stopped. Elementary schools have greater competency gaps than ever, and mental health disorders among young people have increased sharply in recent years.
Youth work should have better resources than it presently has, and young people should be prioritized in Helsinki’s budget. The salaries of the professionals in the field
should also be increased in order to ensure the availability of skilled labor. With urbanization, the number of young people is growing strongly in Helsinki in the coming decade. Simply maintaining the current status of youth work requires more resources.
Juvenile delinquency and youth gangs require intervention now, but preventive measures can prevent radicalization before it happens. This can be done by investing in the well-being of young people and diFerent forms of youth work, supporting families, and improving multiprofessional cooperation, among other measures.
Helsinki has to be a city that takes care of its young people. This is why I am running for municipal election.
Enjoying sustainable urban culture
Helsinki also has to be a city where everyone can live a joyful and suitable life sustainably. It should oFer Finland’s best conditions for entrepreneurship, a flourishing urban culture, and top-notch well-being for our four-legged friends.
Enjoyable everyday life does not have to mean overspending – in sustainable urban life, joy comes from culture, unique cafés and restaurants, verdant nature and the seaside, shared services and goods, community spirit, and vibrant urban spaces accessible to all.
Small businesses enable a lively urban culture. Vivid urban culture, vibrant downtown, and fun Helsinki are born from the services and experiences that small businesses provide. Helsinki needs to create Finland’s best conditions for small businesses through services and guidance for entrepreneurs, as well as city planning that takes small entrepreneurs into account. In particular, the conditions for young entrepreneurs must be supported.
Culture is not a luxury product, but a scientifically proven part of well-
being. Creative industries generate more value than the public funding they receive. This is why it is worth supporting culture and art. The city’s residents must be able to enjoy culture for free as well.
The city is a living room for its residents. Nature trails, swimming spots, and urban spaces open to everyone, where people can gather for free, are the cornerstones of sustainable urban life.
Our furry friends deserve a fun city too. We should invest in the comfort and stimulation of dog parks.
