The significanse of comprehensive school in Finland
The mission of comprehensive school is to ensure that everyone living in Finland has the right and opportunity to attend school and receive free basic education. This right does not depend on gender, belief, culture, socio-economic status, or other personal characteristics.
Equality of opportunity is an essential part of our society, and education is a key factor that helps everyone achieve a happy and meaningful life. Thanks to comprehensive school, everyone can strive for a good life as a Finn, European, and global citizen.
Equality and the importance of education
People’s success and happiness do not always depend on their own efforts. People are born into different social positions, and some are more talented or valued for their qualities. Luck and chance also matter. However, comprehensive school improves everyone’s chances of pursuing happiness. Inequality becomes more tolerable when everyone has at least nearly equal opportunities to educate themselves and succeed. Basic education improves people’s chances to improve their living conditions legally. A more diversified worldview helps them find more options for building a happy life and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Defending comprehensive school
Finnish comprehensive school should be defended because equal education is the first line of defense for Finnish society. The elevation of the entire nation’s and its individuals’ culture is essential because knowledge and understanding help us make better choices. Education is a prerequisite for social peace and world peace, and without peace we cannot be happy or address the great challenges of the modern world.
Ensuring the main purpose of comprehensive school, i.e., equal educational opportunities, may require diversifying thinking about comprehensive school. It is useful to discuss comprehensive school and its development without the burden of hegemonic ideology. For example, the constant expansion of the concept of comprehensive school and its practical arrangements should be open to examination with an open mind. Comprehensive school is not yet a monolithic culture. Can we pursue the noblest goal of The Finnish comprehensive school differently, as well and perhaps more wisely than now?
B.H. 3.7.2024