Today, 16 October, we mark the Day for Free Education. As society grows more fractured and the atmosphere of discussion becomes increasingly heated, it is essential to remember the structures that unite us. Free education is the cornerstone of Finnish society. It is not only an investment in skills and economic growth, but also in equality, security, and social sustainability.
Inequality, confrontation, and an anti-science movement are challenging democracy worldwide. In Finland, free education is a key means of combating these phenomena. It guarantees everyone the opportunity to evolve regardless of their background and prevents social exclusion. By reducing economic barriers, we create channels through which everyone can learn and find their own place. An education path may be a decisive path to a better future in particular for those who are in the most disadvantaged.
Our system cannot be taken for granted, as it is susceptible to actions calling the principle of free-of-charge education into question. For example, a current proposal on giving open higher education institutions the right to grant degrees would lead to the commercialisation of education. A model in which some study free of charge and some pay for their education would increase inequality and weaken mutual trust. This would also not promote the level of competence.
Education is an investment in a more stable future. In this era of climate change, technological transformation, and social uncertainty, we need experts from a broad range of different starting points. Free and widely accessible education not only strengthens the competence of individuals but also the resilience of society as a whole. A more educated population is better able to resist information influence and recognise the scientific truth from the stream of fake news. Finland’s goal must be to educate generations who are able to face future threats together on an equal basis.
A shared education path creates trust in society. When everyone feels that they have an opportunity to evolve, there is a stronger feeling of us all being in the same boat. To keep the boat afloat, free education must always be continuously defended.
Samuli Leppämaki
Board Member, education policy (university funding and structural development of universities)
044 906 5001
samuli.leppamaki@syl.fi
