Mental Health Week held in the shadow of students’ mental health crisis
This week is truly necessary due to the ongoing shortage of mental health resources for young people and students in Finland and the excessively long waiting times for treatment and therapy. It is crucial that addressing the mental health crisis among young people and students is prioritized in Finland, with significant investments in well-being rather than cuts.
Psychological symptoms among students have increased throughout the 2010s and are more common than in the entire population (THL & Kela 2021). According to a student survey of Tekniikan akateemiset (TEK), nearly half of technical students are often or constantly worried about their well-being (TEK 2022). As many as 36 per cent of business students are highly dissatisfied or dissatisfied with their own psychological well-being (Suomen Ekonomit 2023). According to the health and well-being survey of higher education students, approximately 24% of all higher education students feel lonely.
’The mental health crisis among students is an issue that affects the entire future of Finland. It’s crucial to curb the rise in mental health symptoms and illbeing among young people and students. Changing the direction of student well-being requires investments instead of cuts!’ comments Member of the AYY Board Wilma Branders.
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The proposal for an overall reform of student financial aid is disappointing
Aalto University Student Union (AYY) made a statement on the legislative proposal of the Ministry of Education and Culture concerning the comprehensive reform of student financial aid. The proposal is disappointing because it does not solve the core problems of student financial aid or improve the livelihoods of students.
A promise of free education is not enough
The Ministry of Education and Culture has published a vision for higher education and research for 2040, which is intended to guide the direction of Finland's higher education policy. Increasing the number of university graduates in the young age group to 60 per cent, as proposed by the vision, requires investments and ambition from decision-makers. In this blog, Totti Korpua, AYY’s Advocacy Specialist, discusses the significance of the vision for students.
Queering Teekkari Village
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