Special theme: Young people’s participation possibilities on the local level in Germany and Finland

Youngsters are the politicians of tomorrow

Robert Sundman, 14, student in the 9th grade, Kerava

Youngsters are the politicians of tomorrow. It is the truth and we have to admit it. We also have to wake up from our dreams and see the reality; the youth is not ready for it.
 
In the Finnish Nuorten Ääni -editorial board
(Youth Voice Editorial Board) we are working hard to get the youth active. How to get them to know about their rights? How to get the voice of youth in to the media? We have some good results, but all the youngsters of Finland are not participating in this editorial board. It's only open for the youth of the Greater Helsinki and there is about 40 active members.
 
The problem is that the word “politics” has a bad sound. Politics, politics, politics… It sounds a bit boring, doesn’t it? We should not ask “Are you interested in politics?” Maybe we should ask “Do you want cheaper public transportation or better food in the schools?” 
 
Nowadays the European Union is making all the important decisions. With the German youth we have been writing a web blog about the politics.
We have had subjects like “Do we get enough education on politics at school“ or “Should all the people vote in the elections of the European parliament”.
 
The answers are all the same. The school makes us passive; we will not learn a thing. If you don’t have any interest, you will not get it in the school. But we all want to make the youth more active.
 
The dialogue between the Finnish and German youth has been just a great thing. It is nice for me to hear what the Germans do and think.

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