The National Union of Students in Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences – SAMOK’s parliamentary election programme for the 2027 elections has now been published. In the programme, we present solutions to critical future questions regarding students and higher education.
According to the recent Youth Barometer, young people’s faith is being tested from many perspectives, with 60% experiencing uncertainty and insecurity due to international politics and 70% feeling pressure regarding their employment prospects. The clearest glimmer of hope for young people is education, the perceived importance of which remains strong. At the same time, we must recognise that this importance also involves significant pressure to graduate and thereby realise the positive impacts.
An uncertain and pressured group is also one that our society cannot afford to lose. As we move towards record-low numbers of working-age people, it is paramount for our entire nation to look after the well-being and agency of highly educated experts already during their studies – thus securing intact careers and the sustainability of our society.
By easing performance pressures through sufficient support services, offering intellectual richness via stably funded and unprejudiced higher education institutions that meet the needs of their regions and society, and creating a foundation for adult life with strong student financial aid, we create a group of experts capable of meeting the challenges of our time and through whom the much-needed growth can be generated.
This narrative and its measures have been recorded as SAMOK’s to-do list for the upcoming government term and for every Member of Parliament. In drafting it, we have also identified and understood the exceptional times we live in and created a vision that can be implemented within the next four-year term. At the core of our programme is raising the level of education , a predictable, sufficient, and renewing income and support system , a humane and attractive Finland for international talent, strengthening the career prospects of UAS professionals, and investments in the ability to study.
“Growth does not happen in a vacuum, nor does students’ faith in the future; therefore, we need investments and reforms in university of applied sciences education !” sums up SAMOK President Helena Maijanen.
With its programme, SAMOK is building a forward-looking Finland where human capital and expertise are the most central competitive advantages and a threshold issue for growth. Our experts, who believe in themselves and trust in Finnish society, are capable of taking responsibility through tougher years – as long as we as a society dare to trust and invest in them.
You can find SAMOK’s parliamentary election programme here.
Further information:
Helena Maijanen, President
+358 50 389 1000
[email protected]