UPM supports education for low income family´s youths

Finnish forest industry company UPM supports young people whose secondary education is at risk due to the family's low income through Eväitä Elämälle programme by Save the Children organisation.

UPM's support is targeted at buying learning materials so that young people can continue their studies regardless of the family's financial situation, said a press release.

The study materials aid will be directed to the local associations of the Save the Children organisation.

In Finland, 15 per cent of young people have not completed upper secondary education by the age of 25.

Nearly half of the young people without qualification or education have had to cut or drop their studies due to lack of money. The costs of upper secondary education are caused by learning materials in particular. Study materials aid is provided for the textbooks and other materials, such as work equipment, used at secondary schools and vocational institutions. The goal is that the beneficiaries can complete a matriculation examination or a vocational qualification.

“As a sponsor of Eväitä Elämälle programme we are promoting equality and inclusion among young people as well as increasing their opportunities to build future in their chosen studies. This is important for the young themselves but also for society as a whole and for its wellbeing,” said Pirkko Harrela, Executive Vice President, Stakeholder Relations at UPM.

“Under the Eväitä Elämälle programme, 1,458 children from low-income families received aid for learning materials and hobbies from Save the Children last year. Our recent study shows clearly that the schooling costs are a problem for many. Nearly 60 per cent of the respondents felt that the costs of secondary education have caused them or their families financial challenges,” said Hanna Markkula-Kivisilta, Secretary General from Save the Children Finland.