Children and young people hope for more places to hang out and free hobbies in Vantaa.
Children and young people long for more comfortable places to hang out in Vantaa. Schoolchildren and students presented their wish to the city officials at the Influential Day, which was held at the city hall on April 22-23, 2025.
Vaikuttajapäivään osallistui 150 lasta ja nuorta Vantaan kouluista ja oppilaitoksista. Kuvassa koululaisia. Kuva: Vantaan kaupunki / Satu Velasco
Young people long for more comfortable hangout spaces in Vantaa and fun activities in schoolyards.
This wish was raised at the Influential Day, which was attended by schoolchildren and students from Vantaa, as well as city officials. Children and young people also hope for more free hobbies in Vantaa.
'There are enough hobbies, but they could be a bit cheaper,' says Peetu, who attends Kannisto School.
"More hangout places for young people"
"More free swimming lessons"
Children and young people in Vantaa also believe that more trash bins and good school meals are needed. The use of mobile phones in school is also a topic of discussion among children and young people.
"A cultural day in schools where students can get to know each other and different cultures"
"Social media courses for adults to explain what happens on social media"
The Influential Day was organized as a two-day event this year with the theme 'Future Vantaa.'
During the event, discussions were held on topics chosen by children and young people: the environment and nature, hobbies and leisure time, learning and physical activity, as well as safety and preventing loneliness.
'Bullying could be reduced by sharing more information about minorities with young people and adults,' says Jenna, a student at Varia Vocational College.
"Involve students in the planning of elective subjects"
"Less stress in studying"
The goal of the Influential Day is to bring to the attention of decision-makers the issues that are important to children and young people, and to encourage children and young people to influence the city's decision-making.
'It's nice to hear directly from young people because then we really know what needs to be done and what is important,' says Minja Immonen, the 1st Vice Chair of the Youth Council.
'This is easy influencing for young people, especially since we have elementary school students here who can't even be part of the Youth Council yet. At the Influential Day, they also have the opportunity to influence,' says Eetu Laaksonen, a member of the Youth Council.
The Influencers' Day has been organized in Vantaa since 2008. It is part of Vantaa's Child-Friendly Municipality activities.
What does the perfect Vantaa look like according to children?
Children had the opportunity to make Vantaa an even nicer city with schools, kindergartens, and parks. More than 550 children from preschoolers to sixth graders participated in the project.
The perfect Vantaa models were built using Minecraft, Legos, and crafts. The works can be viewed in a poster exhibition in Tikkurila and Myyrmäki.
The poster exhibition of the children's 'Perfect City' works will be held at the Tikkurila Library from May 12-18 and at Vantaa-info in Myyrmäki and Tikkurila in May and June."
