At the Eteläinen school, there is a new recess yard at the initiative of the children's parliament

The completion of the new yard area of ​​Eteläinen school will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 10. It is about the extension of the yard, which was implemented at the initiative of the Children's Parliament.

The city of Riihimäki started a children's parliament in the fall of 2022. Each year, four students from each elementary school in Riihimäki become members of the Children's Parliament. Elias Ylätalo was one of those selected for the first season from Eteläise school.

The Children's Parliament was asked for ideas for developing the school's environment

The preliminary task of the first meeting of the children's parliament was to think about what would be the most important thing that should be developed in the neighborhood of one's own school. Elias Ylätalo decided to bring up the point that Eteläinen koulu is a big school, but its yard is very small. Taking the initiative to the children's parliament received support from the school's student council.

At the first meeting, each elementary school had its own object to present. The members of the parliament could vote on the most important development item from each other's proposals.

The proposal to expand the playground area of ​​Eteläinen school got the most votes.

The proposal to expand the yard, which went through the Children's Parliament, has now come to fruition after two years.

"In accordance with the children's wishes, a green area has now been completed that is different from the asphalt yard, where it is possible to spot insects, find sun protection in the shade of the trees and take it a little more calmly than in the larger, old yard area full of ball games. The area has also been provided with benches in a circle, ideal for outdoor education, for about 30 students, and a couple of climbing poles for those who want to climb," says class teacher Niina Bitter.

"Although it is an opening ceremony, the yard has already been used by students during recess and they have gradually become familiar with it. The name of the new yard area is being chosen. The student council will vote for the best name for the new yard area from among the suggestions from the classes, and it will be announced at the opening ceremony," says Eija Siilimäki, principal of Eteläinen School.

Elias Ylätalo is currently in the 7th grade in Kara, but he has been invited to the opening ceremony as a guest of honor like the other 2022 children's parliamentarians from the Southern School. The other members of 2022 are still students at the Southern School.

Eteläinen koulu is located near the center of Riihimäki at Lopentie 11. The school has about 300 students in grades 1–5. In the sixth grade, students transfer to Kara school or Harjunrinne school (music classes).

What is a children's parliament?

The children's parliament of the city of Riihimäki has a total of 28 members, four students from each elementary school in Riihimäki. Members are elected annually from the schools. The new members of the Children's Parliament will start this autumn. The first gathering will be held during Child Rights Week in November.

The goal of the Children's Parliament's activities is to increase the participation and influence of Riihimäkeli children in matters concerning children. The Children's Parliament is part of Riihimäki's Child-Friendly Municipality.

Presentation of the children's parliament of the city of Riihimäki

Presentation of the Southern School