Report n°6 : from 20/11 to 26/11

Emilien, Roxana & Stella

The main objective of sustainable development is to reconcile economic and social progress with the preservation of the environment, thus creating better living conditions and a better heritage for future generations.

We have seen that Finland already plays a very active role in preserving the environment at the national level. Indeed, let us show you how much the high school in which we are studying, Laanila High School, is also active and what is organised for economic and social progress.

Sustainable development is honoured in Laanila High School, and we can notice it by the big number of projects and initiatives that are implemented throughout the year.  

1/ Preservation of the environment: waste reduction and selective sorting

In class, teachers give copies when there is an exercise to be done such as in the English subject, where it is not necessary to have a notebook (students mainly using their computers), and they collect these copies once the class is over that they keep and give them back another day for another exercise if the sheets are not fully completed. In addition, it should be noted that there are two bins in all classrooms: one reserved for garbage of any kind and one for paper only.  

In the canteen, the meal is served as a buffet, each person serving himself according to his hunger, which reduces food waste. There is never any food given in plastic or other packaging, only recyclable cardboard or glass cups if there is compote or other. Once the meal is over, the students will put their cutlery, glass and tray in suitable crates, and if they have not finished their meal they have 1 bin for napkins and 1  for food waste: they consequently sort their waste.

Finally, the school organizes daily small actions related to the holidays or current events: we were able to make easy-to-make Christmas decorations with old newspapers or magazines; and send letters of support and encouragement to two young women from Canada and the Philippines, one victim of government injustices and one of natural disasters. These two women whom continue to fight every day for their community and to protect their environment.

2/ Economic and social progress: acting in the human spirit, helping people and bringing joy

We often forget that sustainable development is not only about protecting and safeguarding our environment, but also about social and economic progress, without which we could not save the planet. The school also organizes outings focused on social and sharing: with Christmas coming up, we will go with several students to a retirement home where we will sing Christmas carols and talk with the elderly. During the recycling workshop, we made paper angels and Christmas cards that will be offered to them. We are all three of us very happy to make this outing which would never have been proposed to us at home.

In addition, the school organizes 5 times a year, which is equivalent to once per period, a large meeting in which all the students of the secondary school and high school are invited to come, during which the students can present the projects they have realized, or talk about current events or sing. We attended one of these meetings in which several projects were presented in video format against school bullying, gender discrimination and other. It raises awareness among students and highlight their projects.

In conclusion, the Laanila High School and its students are actors for sustainable development and continue to multiply projects and actions in order to raise awareness, protect the planet and improve their living conditions and those of others. We cannot forget also the Erasmus+ project which takes place between Reunion Island and Finland, which combines cultural and social exchange with the aim of finding other solutions to improve our daily lives at school.