In Jyväskylä, almost one in three residents is a student. There are about 45,000 students in Jyväskylä, of which approximately 23,000 are university students. The proportion of students in Jyväskylä’s population is the highest in Finland. But why isn’t this reflected in the city council or even in the voter turnout? Why, in the largest student city, are students one of the smallest voter groups? Can Jyväskylä be a growing and international educational city if students do not appear or have a voice in decision-making?
“The voice of students in city decision-making is particularly important in today’s world. In a difficult economic situation, students are a group from which it is easy to take away support, especially when they are not represented in councils or do not exercise their voting rights. Defending students and improving their position in Jyväskylä would benefit the entire city and region,” says Venla Suosalo, Chair of the board of Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä.
The biggest challenge for Jyväskylä is retention. Large numbers of students move to the city, but they also leave. This is especially challenging for university students. Only about one-third of university students believe they will find work in their field in Jyväskylä after graduation. Retaining students in Jyväskylä requires growth in employment, rooting them in the city, and a vibrant and active urban environment. So how is this achieved? Simply by including students in decision-making. Students are best equipped to articulate what Jyväskylä should look like and what needs to be done to address these issues.
Students must also take the initiative. If students truly want public transport to run by the campuses, cultural opportunities that fit a student budget, or job and internship opportunities that meet future needs, every student must exercise their right to vote on April 13th.
“For Jyväskylä to have higher educational institutions in the future, we need a vibrant and student-friendly city. By looking after the needs of students now and in the future, Jyväskylä will help to maintain its attractiveness and continue its development”, says Otso Miettunen, Chairperson of the Student union of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences.
The significance of students in Jyväskylä cannot be overstated. Without higher education institutions, Jyväskylä would be a much grimmer place. It is crucial for every candidate to recognize the importance of students to the Jyväskylä region and take us into consideration. Collaboration for the well-being of students is one of the most important investments for the vibrant and successful future of our region. The future is in the hands of students—let’s take care of it together!