UNICEF Work of Riihenmäki School in Mäntsälä

We – both teachers and pupils – have had the honour and joy of being the first UNICEF School in Finland. We believe that it would have been great pleasure even if we had been UNICEF School number 153. Therefore, we believe we have received more than we have given.

About UNICEF

The United Nations created UNICEF in 1946 as an emergency fund to help children in the countries devastated by World War II. From the early fifties, UNICEF has been part of the United Nations system and a leading children’s organization focusing on health, education, equality and safety of children and mothers. UNICEF’s headquarters is situated in New York. UNICEF gives long term humanitarian help to developing countries all over the world. (UNICEF 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNICEF)

About UNICEF Schools in Finland – How it all started and how we have organized activities?

In 2001, Riihenmäki School student council decided to further develop the activities of the school. They were looking for co-operation with a partner who would add depth and colour to their activities. UNICEF had worked closely with schools before through UNICEF Walk and One Day Work. Being a UNICEF school could help to considerably increase collective awareness of the children's life both within school and outside it.

The school was new and the atmosphere was favourable for all challenges. Both teachers and students were activated. First, the board of student council was organizing all activities but when time went by, we started working in the UNICEF-club where everyone, who wanted to learn to work as a volunteer, could participate.

Suomen Unicef