The Nordic Summer University (NSU) organised one of its Winter Symposia in Helsinki 20-22 March 2024. I had the opportunity to present a guided discussion. In this blogpost you can read the presentation I gave before the discussion.

I present an analysis of the existing parent involvement model, highlighting that the low interest of parents and the individualist approach in Finnish society is rooted in privilege. Drawing comparisons between the Finnish and Spanish models, we can see how the Finnish model can learn from others outside the Nordics, such as the Spanish one which conceives families as a fundamental pillar in the educational community.

I’d like to challenge the idea that the Finnish welfare model is so robust that it renders parent involvement virtually unnecessary. The Finnish education system is indeed remarkable, and its principles of equity and inclusivity are commendable. However, acknowledging the valuable role of parents as allies in this system can only enhance its effectiveness.

Parents’ meetings can truly make a difference as they are powerful instruments for strengthening the partnership between parents and educators.

Do parents’ meetings seem just like informative sessions that you could have watched online? How can you transform them into the communicative spaces you've been yearning for?

Let’s reshape them into the vibrant, communicative spaces we all wish for!

One of my goals is to participate in creating a sense of community. I want to open up a discussion on the role of parents and families in schools, and to ensure that everyone has a voice.

When it comes to adapting to the education system, the Finnish one has a remarkable reputation, but you will most likely face linguistic barriers if you choose a Finnish speaking institution for your child. While most people are welcoming and friendly, unfortunately, some discriminatory behaviour towards foreigners can make the adjustment process even harder.

As a parent, it is important to be informed, involved, and to understand the system to ensure that your child does not miss any opportunities and receives appropriate support when needed. It is natural to care for your child, and parents are the natural allies of teachers and educators. Therefore, by familiarising oneself with the system, we can better support all students in our community. I strongly urge parents to communicate with their child's school and make an effort to comprehend the Finnish education system.

Our parents’ group started as a way to organise activities and meetings in our daycare. However, in our first meeting, during our discussion we realised that segregation among children started quite early in school and even before. For example, at the daycare children wouldn’t attend birthday parties they were invited to if their parents didn’t know each other.

We had to choose between our local school, a state school, and a reinforced program in another municipal school - All three options seemed like good choices.

It's important to remember that parent involvement doesn't just benefit our children, but it also benefits the schools, the education system and the society as a whole. 

So, what is your experience both in Finland and abroad? Have you found yourself in a school that feels like a family or have you encountered a wall?