CHEERS FROM FINLAND

These cheers do not come to you from any football fields or some other sports events. They are simply greetings from my native country. Finland celebrated her 105th anniversary of independence on December 6th, 2022. That day was quite chilly and windy, not in the least enticing for me to take a walk outside. So, I turned to my old armchair and turned on the TV.

The ecumenical church service in Helsinki Cathedral had just started. Because of Independence Day, the atmosphere felt more solemn than in ordinary Sunday services. President Niinistö and his wife were sitting in the front row, with members of government behind them. The ’ordinary’ members of congregation were seated further away.

When watching this, I, as an ordinary member, felt at home. Listening to Bach’s Cantata, performed by a Boys’ Choir of Cantores Minores, and short speeches by representatives from Orthodox and Catholic churches; various religious institutes and the Lutheran Bishop’s sermon – sum and substance of all this just witnessed was CARE! And especially care for and take care of. Or whom should we give care to? Everyone in the cathedral knew who was meant - the Ukrainians.

I continued celebrating Finland’s birthday by changing the channel. Yes, there it was- a familiar scenery in my small hometown Hamina near our eastern borderline. Lots of people by the roadside waving small Finnish flags and a ceremonious procession moving slowly along. It was a National Military Parade arranged twice a year somewhere in Finland. Officers in front of their groups of thousands of trainees from all over the country, tanks, modern armament, and even members of a female civil defense organization.

Once again, I could not help thinking of the Ukraine, and of care. When
you give care, aren’t you collaborating? My home country has really collaborated by giving shelter to thousands of Ukrainians, mostly women and children. In Hamina, housing has been provided for about a hundred persons. Having a temporary permit of residence, adults could try to seek work. Finnish courses were launched, mostly for adults, but a permanent teacher was also found for elementary students in one small school. Several concerts have been given for refugees’ support. Voluntary work helped them receive clothes and household utensils. Here, you will meet my friend, a recently retired school counselor. Besides teaching Finnish (without any pay) at least twice a week for adult Ukrainians, she also took them to school kitchens familiarizing them with Finnish food and even preparing simple meals together. And what I really want to thank her for is that she asked almost all her Ukrainian students to come to her home to spend Christmas together with her family!

As a member of the International Committee of Educational Excellence I am interested in finding definitions for excellence. Summing up very practically - the above Finnish birthday party and Ukrainians’ needs helped me to fill any excellent teacher’s toolbox with care and collaboration.