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In this video Laanila High School student Ella Juustila will show you how to make the most of it!

Laanila Students' Welcome Speeches for Erasmus Guests from Portugal, Reunion, Spain & Wales

Hello everyone and welcome to our school!

We are very excited to have you here. Hopefully your journey hasn’t been too hard and tiring, since you will need some energy to participate in the activities we h
ave chosen for you. Tired or not, our first activity will surely wake you up for good. Dipping in ice cold water has never disappointed anyone!

As you already know, the theme of our mutual Erasmus project is sustainable development. These next ten days aren’t going to be all fun and games. An important visitor is going to give us a lecture about the sustainability in Finland. You will also get to see what our school has done in the name of our project. At the end of your visit our school is going to host a competition where we students get to present our sustainable inventions. The winning group will be granted a prize.

If you have any questions concerning our school or the upcoming activities, feel free to ask! We are more than happy to help. Don’t let our shyness deceive you – our school is full of wonderful people who are just as eager to get to know you as you are them!

Thank you.

Elena Karppinen

Hello everyone!

I am here today to welcome you to our school!

First, I will talk about your weekly activities. There are certain “must try” activities while visiting Finland. First you must go to sauna. It is the most Finnish activity to do, and I am sure you will all love it. To get the most out of it, you need to go ice swimming at the same time. I know it might sound terrifying, and ice swimming is indeed not for sissies, but you have to try it. You might wonder, what is the point in suffering in the hole in the ice. We don´t go in there for the horrific feeling of cold, but rather for the great feeling afterwards.

So much for that. I wanted to give you a concrete example of sustainability in Finland, so today I will tell you about some stories about reducing food waste. The following examples have been taken straight from a Green Flag website which I recommend you to visit if you are interested in their activities.

At Villilä Nursery School food waste has been reduced by just talking to the children. Talking to children about food waste may feel very simple, but it has had a huge impact on the amount of food waste they have produced. Koivisto Elementary School has made a quicker passing lane out of the dining hall for the children who have eaten all the food on their plates. In my opinion, it is a great example of creativity we need when solving these problems. In Nursery School Vilma the food waste has been reduced by letting the children choose the amount of food on their plates.

These examples illustrate how the solution for the problems we have can be so simple and creative at the same time. Now before you leave, I want you to think about what you could do to reduce food waste in your lives.

My friend throwing away food 🙁

Sources vihrealippu.fi/2020/09/nain-havitat-ruokahavikin-kolme-onnistumistarinaa-ruokahavikin-vahentamisesta/

Hello ladies and gentlemen!

My name is Luukas and I would like to tell you about this week’s winter activities and my sustainable development ideas.

As a winter activity I would highly recommend you to visit Saunalautta – the floating sauna in the river Oulujoki. It will truly be one of the most exciting memories that you will never forget.

On Saunalautta you can take a sauna and an ice bath in Oulujoki. The Sauna ticket costs around ten to fifteen euros and with that cheaper ticket you can take a sauna and a swim in the ice bath. With the pricey ticket you can also chill at a jacuzzi. In my opinion, the ice bath is the best thing at Saunalautta because after you have been in the ice bath, you will be so proud of yourself, and it will also help you to be in a good mood.

Finally, we must not forget the theme of our mutual Erasmus project. We have to fight against the climate change! We Finns wan’t to help all people around the world, and if you, yes you, want our civilization to live longer, we have to make some bigger moves, and fight against the climate change. I would highly recommend you to recycle. Recycling is an easy way to fight against global warming. For our sustainable development activity, I chose to visit the skiing center Ruskotunturi. Ruskotunturi was made of garbage.

All Finnish people recycle, but our culture doesn’t listen to the real message because people are afraid to hear the truth. This is the scariest scenario. It’s becoming a reality, and we should never spurn this grievous case. The truth is that our planet is in danger and we have to do something about it.

Thank you for your attention.

Luukas Riekkinen

Hello everyone!

My name is Henriikka and I am very happy to see you all here on this sunny vernal day. Erasmus project is a very essential part of our school, and I am very happy that we can take part in it. The Finnish winter is a wonderful season and our Erasmus club will show you how we enjoy it.

Traditions are very important to Finnish people, and during your trip you will get to know some of them. Therefore, we are going to let you experience ice swimming and sauna. Sauna is for relaxation and ice swimming is good for your health. Also, it is ecological and it goes hand in hand with our values.

Sustainable development is one the values in our school too, and we wanted to do something with you that reminds us about its importance. We are going to go hiking to a Finnish forest. I wish that it will show everyone how important existing nature is to the whole world, not only to Finland.

I am very excited to get to know all these new faces during the following ten days. Welcome to Finland! I hope you will enjoy your time here. Thank you for listening.

Henriikka Mikkonen

Welcome to Finland

We are excited to have you as our guest. Finland may feel like a cold and dark country, and it may be like that this time of the year, but even so, Finland is much more. I believe and hope that you will enjoy your time in Finland.

Fortunately, Oulu is located quite north, which allows you to enjoy the winter properly. There are plenty of fun winter activities, but due to the limited time, I tried to come up with the most comfortable ones for you.

As a program for you, we have chosen a ski trip to Ruka. Ruka has great opportunities for downhill skiing and there are many slopes from which you can choose the most suitable ones. We have arranged you a reindeer ride in Ruka, too. In my opinion, a reindeer ride is going to be a memorable and exotic experience for you.

In Oulu, the program includes a snowball fighting and also ice swimming which I honestly believe that you dare not do. :)

The program will also include a visit to the center of Oulu where you will see that our city is a cycling city. Cycling is a very ecological way to move, and in my opinion, Oulu is leading the way in this regard. We will also show you how we recycle bottles by taking them to a bottle recycling vending machine in a store. So the purpose of the bottle vending machines is to encourage people to recycle bottles and cans, and as a reward they will get some money. To my mind that works really well.

Thank you for listening, and we are looking forward to spending time with you here in Oulu!

Planning for "The Agenda of Hope 2030" Theme Day in Laanila

Our Unesco-Green Flag-Erasmus+ Group planning "The Agenda of Hope 2030" Theme Day in Laanila this spring. The day will consist of an inclusive program with hands-on workshops for a better future. Learning and doing together, face to face, if the pandemic allows it. 🙏

Student Essays: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle / Sustainable Travelling

Many people are making real efforts to take better care of our planet. There are a number of ways to manage waste, for example. Write an essay where you consider different ways of reducing, reusing and recycling. Discuss what can be done on an individual, national and international level.

To start off with, we only have this planet and that is the reason we need to take care of it and we need to assure that Earth will be habitable for future generations. We all are responsible and we can all do something.

There are many ways to take care of our planet. For example, as an individual we could reduce the amount of waste we produce by thinking about what we buy, and whether there are better options for that particular product. Instead of buying one-time-use products, we could buy a similar product that is reusable or that can be used for something else. If you have items you do not use, you can always give them to someone else. If you need something, for instance a bike, you could see if someone else is selling their bike instead of buying a brand new one.

On a national level we could concentrate on producing locally and only for need. Moreover, it is not only reducing the amount of pollution that comes from producing and transporting but it also creates work for the citizens. On national level we could also create stricter rules that everyone must follow.

Similarly, on an international level we could make contracts, but everyone would have to commit for doing it. Also, in both, national and international levels we could start making products from more recyclable materials.

Sometimes the way to start your zero-waste-lifestyle can be quite hard, but believe me – when you start it and get used to it, it will be very easy! Some people say that they can’t reduce their waste because they don’t live on their own and therefore, they can’t make the decisions in the house – but they are wrong! Everyone can make a change in their own choices and by doing small changes in everyday life, they can inspire others to do the same.

I will give you a few simple tips to reduce waste and I hope they will help you.

First, start using reusable bottles if you go outside. They are easy to carry, and you will reduce waste and save your money.

Buy second-hand items and recycle your old clothes. I, for example, give all my old clothes to charity or to my nephew. Usually I use my clothes as long as I can, and I do not buy clothes that I don’t need – that is a good way too to help the environment and reduce waste.

Try to teach to your parents something about recycling. Maybe you can get them to separate plastic and metals – start from the little things. Composting some of your waste can also be a good way to start and it too can help you save your money!

I hope these tips were useful to you. It is good that such young people as you care about the environment and want to reduce waste – you are the future!

Traveling and the memories we gain from it are important to many of us. However, most of the time people don’t think about the effects our environment has to face because of it. With climate change being a current issue, we have to make a change in our behaviour. So, what can you do to make your trip more sustainable?

To get to your destination, prefer taking a bus or a train, rather than flying. If you need to move around the city, you can rent a bike or walk. This way you can avoid taking the bus and it’s a great way to get to know the city better. If the walking distance is too long, try to use public transportation, instead of taxis.

When it comes to eating, prefer dining at restaurants with vegan options. For example, red meat takes a toll on the environment, so it’s better to stay away from it. You can buy your souvenirs from small local boutiques instead of big corporate businesses.

Small changes in your actions can already be a good start. Sustainable travel just takes a bit of planning. Be a good citizen and make a difference.

Christmas Charity Collection of Laanila High School & HOPE ry for the disadvantaged families in Oulu area

The Christmas Charity Collection of Laanila High School & HOPE ry succeeded to fill two big car loads of Christmas presents for the disadvantaged families in Oulu area. Warm thanks to all students, teachers, parents and neighbors who participated in our collection!

Along with the collection we arranged a lottery for the presents received from our neighboring companies and one of our high school students. Tuula Liimatta and Sonja Bordi from HOPE ry acted out as our Lady luck and selected the winners in our draw.

Handmade Christmas cards and chocolates to our senior neighbors at Metsolan Hovi!

We surprised the seniors and the nurses at the Metsolan Hovi nursing home with handmade Christmas cards (paintings by our student Minja Saarenpää) and chocolates.

Due to the pandemic, our traditional Christmas carols singing event at Metsolan Hovi is postponed till spring. However, we will send them a video greeting with several music performances before the Christmas holidays!

In the picture, nurse Maija Keränen receiving the Christmas cards and the chocolates from our high school students Aukusti Hackzell and Adalmiina Irvankoski.

Thank you all "Unesco - Green Flag - Erasmus" students who made the Christmas surprise possible!

"Intermission" Coversation about Climate Change

Inspiring English conversation about Climate Change with the lead of the young Oulu University students Sara, Gautier and Iisakki. Our second-year students participated and voiced their opinions actively. They found the topic very important, too.

"Unesco - Green Flag - Erasmus+" Group in Laanila High School in 2020-2021

Up left: Aukusti Hackzell and teachers Heikki Pöykkö, Janna Väänänen ja Tiina Fredriksson.

Front: Ilona Mwai, Pieta Parttimaa, Erika Illikainen, Seela Saukkonen, Inka Määttä, Ella Juustila and Adalmiina Irvankoski.

Laanila Students' Art and Thoughts on "How the World looks like in 2050"?

"Climate Change to High Schools" Contact Day in Nallikari on 5.11.2020

- Climate Soldiers from Lempäälä High School, History & Social Science Teacher Jarmo Lehtinen

- Essi Aarnio-Linnanvuori, Leading Expert on Environmental Education, WWF Finland

- How Out Youth See the World of Future? Tomi Kiilakoski, researcher, Youth Research Association

- Scientific Review and Education for Teachers and High School Students. Jussi Malila, docent, Climate University Network, Oulu University

Planning "The Agenda of Hope" Event Together with Polaris Unesco Teachers in Nallikari on 29.10.2020.

Climate Change in High Schools!

Laanila High School's Green Flag, UNESCO and Erasmus+ teachers and students are active members of the "Climate Change in High Schools!" project that empowers around 200 teachers and more than 4 000 students in the high schools of Northern Ostrobothnia to take climate action.

Develop the action of the climate network created in the area, make concrete climate actions and spread the word of sustainability.

Help build courses that will teach our students to affect their climate choices with the right kind of knowledge and attitudes.

The Kick-off event of the "Climate Change in High Schools!" project, Miika Siironen, Paula Ratava, Jussi Tomberg. A challenge to include the climate education in the multidisciplinary studies of the new curriculum. High school networking.

Unesco ASPnet Polaris Meeting. Plenty to talk about: "Agenda of Hope 2030", "Gutsy Go" peace activities, "Reuse Redesign Course" as well as planning and preparing for the future Agenda 2030 project together.

TOIVO = Tiedän, oivallan, innostun, vaalin ja osallistun. "To Know, to Cherish, to Act."

Laanila High School, 29th November, 2019:

Together with HOPE charity organization, Laanila High School's Unesco, Green Flag and Erasmus+ clubs arranged a Christmas collection for impoverished families in the area. Sports equipment, toys, games and other beneficial presents were collected in large quantities. Sincerest thanks to all the students and teachers taking part in the donation!

Climate Event. Student interviewing MP Mari-Leena Talvitie & Oulu City Youth Council Chair Kalle Pyky

28th November 2019

Christmas Carols and Eco Gifts for the Nearby Senior Citizens

In November 2019 Laanila High School's Green Flag, UNESCO and Erasmus+ students got together for a Recycling Crafts Workshop. The group collected old books, leftover wooden pearls, cardboard, string, felt and luminous badges to prepare little Christmas gifts for our senior citizen friends at Metsolan Hovi Old People's House across the road.

A week after it was time for Christmas Carols with the nearby senior citizens. Several songs were sang and accompanied by our young Laanila pianist Seela. Our French speaking Santa Claus 😜 gave out the handmade paper angels and x-mas cards and the house was filled with appreciative smiles and chit-chat on both sides. We will surely visit the Metsola seniors soon again!

20th November 2019

Solidarity Messages from Laanila for a Better World

At Laanila High School, 8th November, 2019: solidarity message campaign for a better world!

Amnesty International's annual Letter Marathon was carried out at Laanila this year again. Our students supported the environmental activists both in the Philippines and Canada with 200 support card messages and more than 80 personal letters to the higher authorities of the above mentioned countries. "More responsible environmental politics! ", demand our students and youth elsewhere, too.
- Together we can make a difference!

Happy Anniversary on the Day of the Children's Rights

Today marks the celebration of 30 years of the adoption of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by the UN General Assembly. <3

Here's a video link to the contribution from UNESCO ASPnet Laanila High School in which our students share their concerns with politicians and personalities committed to defending equal rights, respect and the well-being of children.

Our videos "The right to participation" and "The right to be protected against all forms of discrimination" will be presented at the UNESCO's Anniversary Conference in Paris this week! <3

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Laanila Sustainability

Hej! Hola! Bonjour! Shw mae! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Welcome to Oulu, Finland in February 2022!

ERASMUS+ POSTCROSSING between our partner high schools in Europe

Come and enjoy the Finnish winter!