The Russian military action in Ukraine is unacceptable. OAJ supports Ukraine together with the international community of teachers' organizations and hopes for rapid peace.
Russia launched an open war against Ukraine on Thursday morning. Ukrainians who have been on a business trip to Finland have gone home to fight immediately in the morning. To a war in Europe in 2022.
Families flee Kiev. Passports and fuel have been queued up for a week and many schoolchildren have already had emergency backpacks packed with water, biscuits, a child’s personal information, flashlight and warm clothes. At present, weapons are openly distributed to those who wish.
Finland and the wider international community have quickly condemned Russia's actions. Rapid peace is hoped for, and Russia is called upon to end hostilities. The EU and Finland are supporting Ukraine financially, for example, Finland decided last week to provide additional assistance to Ukraine through development cooperation and humanitarian aid, and other ways to increase support are being actively considered. For example, the central organizations Akava, SAK and STTK have condemned Russia's hostilities.
Central organizations Akava, SAK and STTK have condemned Russia’s military action.
The international community of teachers' organizations is also concerned about the situation. Education International (EI) has two member organizations in Ukraine, TUESWU (The Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine) and VPONU (Free Trade Union of Education and Science of Ukraine), which were previously supported by the European umbrella organization ETUCE this week. The OAJ supports Ukrainian organizations as part of the ETUCE and EI community.
OAJ supports the Ukrainian organizations as part of the ETUCE and EI community.
Children are the most vulnerable in a war. It would be extremely important for children to be able to continue going to school even in a state of war and for teachers to be able to continue teaching. Even immediate peace will not give Ukrainian children a sense of security or a belief in lasting peace but securing schooling in exceptional circumstances is also key to children coping with the war.
It would be extremely important for children to be able to continue going to school even in a state of war and for teachers to be able to continue teaching.
We are in a situation that many of us did not believe we would end up in. In Finland, too, the war in Ukraine will inevitably rise to discussions in families and schools. In addition to the news, social media brings the situation in Ukraine directly close to children and young people, for example in TikTok. Giving time for discussion and sharing fear and wonder together is now important. Teachers are able to deal with issues in classes and groups in an age-appropriate way, opening up the historical context.
Teachers are able to deal with issues in classes and groups in an age-appropriate way, opening up the historical context.
Russia's hostilities in Ukraine are unacceptable. The OAJ, together with the international community of teachers' organizations, supports Ukraine and hopes for rapid peace. If necessary, we are also ready to participate in the financial support of Ukrainian teachers' organizations, should Education International approach its member organizations in this regard. Children's access to school and the teachers’ right to teach must be safeguarded.
Jenni Arnkil
Organisation Manager
Kaj Raiskio
Special Advisor
Arnkil and Raiskio are responsible for the OAJ solidarity work .
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