High schools in Finland are implementing a creative solution to combat dwindling student numbers, especially in rural areas. Marianne Korkalainen, a high school head teacher, is planning to attract students from countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, and Tanzania to study in Finland with funding from Finnish taxpayers. This initiative by Finest Future aims to enroll about 15,000 new students annually, providing funding per student to benefit both schools and rural communities.
As Finland’s population declines, educating foreign students can help offset this trend, with better prospects for young students integrating into Finnish society. However, the sustainability of this program faces challenges as the Finnish education ministry opposes funding foreign students.
In other news, Gasum in Finland is halting Russian LNG imports in line with EU sanctions, and Finland is benefitting from NATO’s tech dividend through the Diana project. Furthermore, changes in alcohol regulations in Finland and Sweden could impact state-run alcohol monopolies and producers in the Nordic region.
These developments highlight Finland’s dynamic response to demographic, geopolitical, and economic challenges, fostering innovation and adaptation in various sectors.