In Helsinki's comprehensive schools, the most popular leisure activities of children and young people are included in the selection of The Finnish Model for Leisure Activities for the academic year 2023–2024. There are more than 30 different activities to choose from. Among the activities to keep schoolchildren entertained in the afternoons are parkour, basketball, futsal, dance, gym, climbing, cheerleading, swimming, circus, cinema, theatre, visual arts, languages, history, entrepreneurship, programming, game design, esports, cooking and activities with animals. Information about the leisure activity groups and the registration instructions can be found on the schools’ websites. In addition to the activities offered by their own school, pupils can also take part in activities organised at other schools.
The Finnish Model for Leisure Activities has become a permanent operating model in Helsinki. Low-threshold leisure activities are a central part of the city’s services for children and young people. Thanks to the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities, starting a new leisure activity is easy and possible for every pupil.
Leisure activities have become a natural extension to the school day and been shown to have a positive impact on school attendance. “Doing enjoyable things together during leisure time and the opportunity to try new things support pupils’ enjoyment and learning at school,” says Kimmo Mustonen, Area Manager at the City of Helsinki Basic Education.
“We will continue our close cooperation with youth workers and school student welfare so that we can engage more children and young people in leisure activities,” says Tiina Hörkkö, Area Manager at the City of Helsinki Youth Services.
Further information about the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities :
Information on activity groups and registration instructions on the schools’ websites
The Finnish Model for Leisure Activities on the city website