Youth

The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for coordinating and developing youth work and youth policy and creating prerequisites for it in central government. This work is carried out in cooperation with a range of different sectors.

Policies and development »

The development of youth policy is based on the Government Programme and the Child and Youth Policy Programme.
Areas of youth work »

The aim of youth work is to improve the living conditions of young people and to encourage their civic participation.
Legislation »

The Ministry of Education and Culture drafts, or participates in the drafting of, any legislative proposals that concern youth work and youth policy before they are submitted to the Parliament.
Funding »

Appropriations for youth work account for about 0.1 per cent of the state budget. Most of this financing is allocated by the Ministry as central government transfers and grants.
EU and international cooperation »

The aim of international and EU-level cooperation is to develop and support the national youth policy and youth work through networking and the sharing of good practices.

Press releases

Extension of compulsory education – information available for young people in social media and in Education Minister’s Q&As

News item 11.2.2021 9.22

Guidance on group leisure activities for children and young people

Press release 2.2.2021 13.18

Pupil and student survey 2020: Girls are interested in visual arts, cooking and hobbies involving animals; boys are interested in mopeds, games, parkour and football

Press release 17.12.2020 11.46

Municipalities invited to participate in pilot project of the Finnish model – nearly EUR 10 million available for children's and young people's leisure activities

Press release 28.10.2020 12.05

Ministers Andersson and Saarikko: Budget session decisions raise Finland's level of education and secure the funding of civil society

Press release 16.9.2020 17.04

Finnish youth work statistics

Nuorisotilastot.fi

State Youth Council

The State Youth Council is an expert body on youth work and youth policy appointed by the Government.

Tietoanuorista.fi

Youth

Policies and development »

Areas of youth work »

Legislation »

Funding »

EU and international cooperation »