UNICEF

The Finnish UNICEF Association is located in Kalasatama, but the advocates often work in Finland's Parliament. UNICEF is an international non-profit organization that aims to fund-raise for child welfare, influence government, and enlighten nations and citizens on current issues. Finland, being a developed country, focuses primarily on international advocacy. Only 5% of funds is allocated to domestic causes. Much of UNICEF's work is dedicated toward lobbying for children in government and in the United Nations. Throughout the last 50 years, Finland has shifted to a Human Rights Based Approach, where everyone is given fair chances and treated with equity.

I met with the Director of Advocacy, who described Finland's historical background in regards to child rights. In the 1970s, Finland fully began shifting its focus from a trade society to an educated society. For example, teaching programs were held at universities in 1974. In 1984, Finland enacted the Child Welfare Act, which strengthened government participation in families when it is necessary for a child's well being. However, the intervention should begin as mild as it can be depending on the circumstances in attempt to build the familial structure and bond. The government helps parents modify behavior and obtain help in order to improve their parenting and educating abilities. Later, in 1991, the Child Rights Convention commenced to polish government initiative and renew the Child Welfare Act. From the beginning of the century, the role of the convention is becoming stronger. In the Finnish system, any government proposal is subject to UNICEF's comments, analyzing the impact the policy could have on families and children.

Currently, UNICEF is working on improving education by implementing an inclusive where children with special needs are learning within the same classroom as children without disability. The development of special needs children must be considered, along with the development of their peers. UNICEF along with schools are searching for a way to meet the developmental necessities of all children, creating an environment where they can all progress in their education.

I asked the director about immigration in Helsinki because I was curious about the panhandlers throughout the city. She says that it is becoming a growing issue that needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, there is expanding hostility towards this group of individuals in Finland, especially since a more conservative platform gained control in the government. She states that Finland will always be welcoming to children and families who are asylum-seeking, but it appears that the government is preparing to establish tighter immigration policies in the country. According to the director, many of these children need educational intervention. Many of immigrant children have difficulty communicating in their native languages and are placed into special education program in order to help promote their cultural identities as well as integrate them into the Finnish society. Along with the increased hostility towards immigrants, there is an increase in socioeconomic segregation in Finland. For example, even though the quality of education is equal in Finland, wealthier families are moving to upscale areas in order to send their children to schools with greater resources.

In addition, UNICEF has worked to promote child welfare through the support of families. They lobbied for the increased and equal vacation time for both mothers and fathers after the birth of each child. They support free healthcare to protect the lives of each Finnish citizen, removing the stress from families to find the means to secure healthy lives.

In regards to economic development, the Director of Advocacy believes that creating a happy, healthy, educated generation will redefine the workforce in a positive way. Children and families are less anxious, depressed, and unwell. By providing essential needs to citizens, they are able to put more energy into their community and become more efficient workers. In addition, research shows that more downtime can enhance health, cognitive processes, and attitude. People are humans, not machines and constant workers. They deserve medical care and the opportunity to increase their skills. An educated community is a community who progresses economically.

It was a pleasure to visit the Finnish UNICEF Association. I have always admired their dedication and efforts to children's rights. I hope to one day work closely with their missions.