Foreign Minister Soini to visit schools in Lapland

Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini will continue his school visits, which focus on the prevention of violent radicalisation, in March in Lapland. On Tuesday 13 March, Minister Soini will visit the Ounasvaara upper secondary school in Rovaniemi and another upper secondary school in Kemijärvi. The school visits aim to enhance young people’s knowledge and awareness of the importance of Finland's foreign and security policy in the prevention of violent radicalisation.

"People do not become radicalised and commit acts of violence on a whim; instead, such acts stem from a long series events, which can be addressed. I want to encourage young people to be active and step in. It is also interesting to hear what young people think and what they want to ask about the matter," Foreign Minister Timo Soini says.

"I want to remind upper secondary school students about the importance of Finland's foreign and security policy in the fight against violent radicalisation and terrorism. Finland works in various parts of the word to promote human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, seeks to reduce poverty in a sustainable manner, and takes part in crisis management. All this is important in efforts to reduce violence and marginalisation."

The Minister started his visits to schools last year at the Tikkurila upper secondary school. His visits in 2017 included also the Tapiola upper secondary school, Maunula Secondary School and Helsinki Math School. In 2018, the Minister's visits extend to schools in the counties. Earlier this year, he visited schools in Nurmes and Siilinjärvi.

Inquiries: Riikka Taivassalo, Special Adviser to Minister Soini, tel. +358 46 923 4581.

The Foreign Ministry’s email addresses are in the format [email protected]