Vitality to cities with entrepreneurship education

They want to take the Äänekoski concept as a model elsewhere

Mika Matilainen and Seppo Savo.
The planned and long-term entrepreneurship education of the city of Äänekoski is to be followed as a model elsewhere. The city of Jämsä got to know the entrepreneurship education and curriculum of the city of Äänekoski, and what entrepreneurship education has achieved in Äänekoski. There have also been contacts from other cities.

In accordance with the national curriculum, entrepreneurship and working life skills must be taught in all schools in Finland. Äänekoski's entrepreneurship curriculum supports the national curriculum - it works a bit like an Äänekoski supplement. Äänekoski invests in entrepreneurship education as planned and long-term. Entrepreneurship education works uniformly in all Äänekoski schools and grade levels, and also as a support for other learning and as an enlivening of different subjects.

- Many Finnish municipalities are now looking for answers to questions about the development of entrepreneurship education. As a pioneer, we at Äänekoski have answers. Other cities have been particularly interested in how much resources have been needed for this and what kind of experiences students, teachers, principals and companies in the area have, Äänekoski Entrepreneurship Education's Responsibility Teacher Mika Matilainen says.

The city can become known for its entrepreneurship education

Pedagogical expert of Jämsä city's revitalization activity Seppo Savo visited Äänekoski last week to learn about exemplary entrepreneurship education work. We definitely want to continue cooperation between cities in entrepreneurship education. A network of entrepreneurship education teachers has also been planned.

- The city can become known as a center for entrepreneurship education and skills. This can attract students and experts to the city, which can increase the city's knowledge base. Entrepreneurship is often the engine of economic growth. Entrepreneurship can promote the economic sustainability of the entire province by diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on individual large employers, Seppo Savo sees.

Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education aims above all to support children and young people in building their own future and help everyone find their own strengths, foster a positive entrepreneurial attitude and promote the emergence of internal entrepreneurship. By teaching working life skills and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes, the vitality of not only the city but also the entire province is supported.

Building the future starts at school

Entrepreneurship education teaches children and young people financial literacy, budgeting and risk management. These skills are useful in all areas of life.

- The labor market is constantly changing, and many traditional jobs may disappear. Entrepreneurship education can help young people prepare for the working life of the future, where entrepreneurial skills, such as self-management and problem-solving ability, are valuable lessons that entrepreneurship education creates, says Savo.

As a result of long-term entrepreneurship education in Äänekoski, the summer entrepreneurship of young people in particular has been on the rise. More and more young people from Anukkoski employ themselves in the summer.

- However, the goal of entrepreneurship education is not that everyone is wanted to become entrepreneurs of the future. Various work life skills and training for inner entrepreneurship will become part of the everyday life of Äänekoski schools. Skills can be, for example, being able to identify and talk about one's own strengths and skills, Matilainen describes.

- Young people are open to new ideas and ready to learn. Early exposure to entrepreneurship education and working life can help them acquire important skills and insights. All in all, supporting entrepreneurship education and early work experience can help young people develop versatile skills and prepare for future challenges, while promoting the economic growth and innovation of the locality and society, says Savo.

Entrepreneurship education is created through cooperation

Seppo Savo believes that it is not worth reinventing the wheel and Äänekoski already has a working concept that can be used as a basis and learned from elsewhere.

- But we in Jämsä are making the curriculum a Jämsä model that looks like the locality, Savo adds.

Even in Jämsä, entrepreneurship education is seen as a close part of the work of the entire city, management and vitality, and it is also done in cooperation with entrepreneurs in the area - entrepreneurship education is not a matter for schools alone.

At Äänekoski, cooperation with companies means, for example, business sponsorship, company visits, internships and mentoring. Matilainen thanks how wonderful and active business sponsors Äänekoski has and the cooperation has been rewarding in both ways.

- The school is not a separate island and here in Äänekoski, we want to keep the school doors open to the rest of society, says Matilainen.

For more information:

Mika Matilainen, Responsibility Teacher of Äänekoski City's Entrepreneurship Education, 040 624 0406, mika.matilainen@aanekoski.fi

City of Jämsa's pedagogical expert Seppo Savo, 044 493 9448, seppo.savo@jamsa.fi

News published 11.9.2023, modified 5.10.2023/14/13 at XNUMX:XNUMX

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The Keskimaan Ilo auttaa 2025 donation helps young people in Central Finland to act more safely online.

The aim of the Osuuskauppa Keskimaa 2025 Ilo auttaa donation is to improve the well-being and mental health of young people in Central Finland by providing them with support and resources for functioning in the digital world and indirectly also for dealing with phenomena occurring there (e.g. bullying, loneliness and exclusion). In addition, training courses for youth workers and parents' evenings for young people's parents will be organised on the topic. The implementing partners are the youth services of the municipalities of Central Finland and Mieli ry. The total amount of the donation is 143 euros. The youth services of the city of Äänekoski will coordinate the donation received by the northern Central Finland region.

Announcement: Material from the proposal phase of the Kannonkoski Vuorijärvi wind power sub-plan is available for viewing

The Kannonkoski Municipal Board has decided on 27.1.2025 § 1 to place the Vuorijärvi Wind Power Sub-General Plan on display for consultation in the proposal phase (AKL § 65, MRA § 19). The plan project partially changes the Kannonkoski Southern Watersheds Coastal Sub-General Plan. The project area is located approximately 14 km southeast of the Kannonkoski municipal center. The area borders the towns of Saarijärvi, Äänekoski and Viitasaari. The Vuorijärvi Wind Power Park covers an area of ​​approximately 5 hectares.

Äänekoski Huima will face Rahola Pyrkivä in a free match – Come watch local sports!

On Wednesday, February 19.2.2025, 18.30 at XNUMX:XNUMX PM, an exciting free match will be played at Äänekoski Areena Pankkari, where Äänekoski Huima will face Rahola Pyrkivä. The city of Äänekoski invites all local sports fans to support their team in this important game. Come and experience the amazing atmosphere and cheer Huima to victory! The free match offers a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy basketball and experience community among the people of Äänekoski.

Daycare and school staff are trained to give children the best opportunities to learn and grow.

The Finnish National Board of Education has granted the city of Äänekoski project funding of over 42 euros for training teaching and educational personnel. The goal is that every child or young person in Äänekoski feels that they are in a safe environment, so that the best possible growth and learning can take place. The project, called In the Right Way, at the Right Time, began at the beginning of 000 and will last until 2025.

Summer jobs for young people in the city of Äänekoski will be available for applications on February 10.2.2025, XNUMX.

The City of Äänekoski will spend 2025 euros on summer employment for young people in 140. This summer, the City of Äänekoski will also employ all interested young people finishing 000th grade either for summer jobs, with a summer job voucher or a summer entrepreneurship voucher. In addition, we also employ older young people in various city units and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs. Last year, the City of Äänekoski employed a total of 9 young people in the summer. The summer job application for young people starts on 153 February 10.2.2025.

Planning Review 2025: New plots bring builders and vitality to Äänekoski

The Äänekoski City Council approved the zoning review for 2025. It presents the zoning program for the following years 2025-2027; the preliminary schedules of the pending and soon-to-be initiated zoning projects, as well as the primary objectives. – The zoning of the city of Äänekoski aims to actively promote the development of the city and increase its vitality. Only those projects that we can promote according to the schedule will be included in the zoning review, says Planning Manager Nina Marjoniemi.

The renovation site of the Suolahti swimming pool will start on January 2.1.2025, XNUMX

The renovation site of the Suolahti swimming pool will start on January 2.1.2025, 2026. In the repair contract, the ventilation and pool technology of the swimming hall facilities will be improved, changing room facilities will be changed, and the building's surface materials and furniture will be renewed. The renovation is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities. The contract will be completed in the spring of XNUMX.

Sydän-Suomen jätekunta informs: The processing billing for fine and closed well sludge will change in 2025

Äänekosken Energia Oy handles the processing of sludge generated by living in the Äänekoski area, also for fine and closed well sludge. Currently, the Waste Act obliges the waste management authority to maintain a waste register, which also monitors fines and closed-pit sludge management. The waste authority of Central Finland is the waste board. Jätehuolto's other register is currently part of the register jointly used by the Waste Board and Sammakkokangas Oy.

The Northern Central Finland employment area is preparing for the transfer of TE services - There may be a backlog in the services at the beginning of the year

The Northern Central Finland employment area will serve job seekers and employers from the beginning of 2025. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 31.12.2024, 1.1.2025. The Northern Central Finland employment area offers a statutory labor service for job seekers and employers in Äänekoski, Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevede, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and from XNUMX January XNUMX. At the beginning of the year, various disturbances, outages and delays in the service are possible.

In entrepreneurship education, we are already looking towards the spring Äänemessu

There are many things going on in Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education. Äänekoski high school's Joulumaa sales event was held on December 12.12.2024, XNUMX, and the charity arrangements made by high school students are for sale at Koko's garden Pop Up store until Christmas. We are also currently preparing for next spring's Ääne fair. Labor Minister Arto Satose and Prime Minister Petteri Orpoo were impressed by Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education.

The H-moment is approaching! TE services will be transferred to the municipalities at the beginning of the year

The Northern Central Finland employment area will serve job seekers and employers from the beginning of 2025. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 31.12.2024, 1.1.2025. The employment area offers a statutory labor service in Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevedi, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and Äänekoski for job seekers and employers from January XNUMX, XNUMX.

The Northern Central Finland employment area will start operating on January 1.1.2025, XNUMX

The Northern Central Finland employment area serves job seekers and employers from January 1.1.2025, 31.12.2024. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 1.1.2025, XNUMX. We offer a statutory employment service in Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevedi, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and Äänekoski for job seekers and employers from January XNUMX, XNUMX. With labor services, both individual and employer clients receive advice and guidance on job search and employee recruitment as well as skills development.

At the "Greetings to the decision-makers" meeting, the children had the opportunity to ask questions and influence

The Right to Learning theme of the national Children's Rights Week last week also awakened adults and children in Äänekoski to think about the conditions and possibilities of learning and to enjoy the joy of learning. In Äänekoski, the topic was addressed at least at Koulunmäki unified school, where the Greetings to decision-makers meeting combined the most important goals of the Child's Rights Week and the Welfare Week held at the same time: Participation, the opportunity to influence and the joy of doing things together.

The renovation of the Suolahti swimming hall is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities

The city of Äänekoski is renovating Suolahti's swimming hall. The swimming pool will be renovated to make it a reliable swimming pool for the next 30 years. The investment is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities and it complements the Suolahti sports center, which includes an ice rink, sports hall, gym, Frisbee golf course, skate ramp, artificial turf, multi-purpose arena and half-time playground. The renovation is an investment in one of the most important movement places for children and young people and the aging population. The Suolahti swimming hall will be closed for renovation on 25.11.2024 November XNUMX.

The 2025 budget proposal of the city of Äänekoski was completed with a deficit of EUR 2,2 million

The state share system inoculates Äänekoski badly. The mayor's proposal for next year's 2025 budget will be discussed in the city council on November 25.11.2024, 2,2. The budget proposal has a deficit of EUR 7,6 million. Taking into account the accumulated surpluses of 0,6 million euros from previous years and the projected surplus of XNUMX million euros for the current year, the city of Äänekoski will survive the difficult years to come.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo heard Äänekoski's wishes in the restructuring of business life: "We are in the same boat"

On November 18.11.2024, XNUMX, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Äänekoski and met representatives of the factories and personnel of Metsä Group and Valtra, as well as the city's management regarding the drastic change in the business world and the company's layoff news. Central Finland MPs Sinuhe Wallinheimo and Ville Väyrynen of the ruling party were also present. The state will use all instruments to help the situation.

Thanks for the resident bridge! Together, we want to make the center of Äänekoski more beautiful, more comfortable and more attractive

Thank you to all the participants of the 5.11.2025 residents' bridge in the city center and thank you for the fruitful discussion! About 50 residents of Painotalo participated in the residents' bridge, and there were also e.g. trustees, entrepreneurs, representatives of the youth council, residents' association and entrepreneurs' organization. Together, we want to make the center of Äänekoski more beautiful, more comfortable and more attractive. We also hope to increase community spirit and encounters!

The city of Äänekoski introduced an employee bicycle benefit - An electric bicycle increases exercise in everyday life and saves gas

The city of Äänekoski has introduced an employee bicycle benefit this fall. Sports janitor Raine Viander took the opportunity as soon as it was possible. Viander previously tried the city's loanable electric bike and got excited about getting his own bike. Viander has been satisfied with his electric bike and the amount of exercise in everyday life has increased. At the same time, you save gas.

The city of Äänekoski is doing everything it can to cope with the drastic change in the area's business life

The dark news from Äänekoski continued today, October 11.10.2024, 100, when Valtra and ACGO announced that they would start change negotiations concerning the persons covered by the collective agreement of white-collar workers and senior white-collar workers in the technology industry. The negotiations concern a total of 60 jobs in Finland. At the Suolahti factory, the reduction applies to approximately 1 white-collar jobs. Valtra employs a total of approximately 300 people at the Suolahti tractor factory. The reason for the change negotiations is the change in the market and the company's new operating methods. We are extremely worried about the jobs and future of our residents if the layoffs come true.

Äänekoski is a city of young people - Ääne fair is coming again!

Next year's Äänemessu 2025 is currently being planned. The Ääne fair will take place in and around Pankkari on May 23-24.5.2025, 10, Friday from 18 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 16 a.m. to XNUMX p.m. The proceeds from the event will be used for the benefit of Äänekoski's youth. The city of Äänekoski and the department of education and training: the staff of high school and school entrepreneurship education are responsible for organizing the fair. 

Wahlman's house is now working for young people - "We are building this city for young people"

In the culturally historically valuable Wahlman house, work is now being done for the future, i.e. the young people of Äänekoski. The city's own personnel moved into the house at the beginning of the week. In the same place, the people of the searching and mobile youth work, youth workshop activities and services promoting integration are now working. The teaching and education department is really grateful for the new, wonderful facilities where work is now being done for the young people of Äänekoski.

The flying squirrel situation in the felling areas of the city of Äänekoski was clarified in the spring: according to ELY, it was found that there was no breeding or resting place for the flying squirrel in the area

According to information received from the media, the Keskinen Suomen liito-oravayhdistys ry has filed a criminal complaint about logging by a forest company in Äänekoski. The police have launched a preliminary investigation to find out if Stora Enso cut down the forest in the flying squirrel nesting area. The logging area is owned by the city of Äänekoski. The city of Äänekoski did several terrain inspections in the Sikopuro area in Suolahti in the spring of 2024 before logging, and no signs of flying squirrels were found. After the felling, the ELY Center of Central Finland conducted field inspections in the summer of 2024 and according to them, it was found that there was no breeding and resting place for flying squirrels in the area, so the Nature Conservation Act was not violated.

The crushing work causes noise and dust nuisance in the center of Suolahti

The city of Äänekoski is currently demolishing the former Asemakatu school in Suolahti. During the fall, concrete and brick will be crushed at the Asemakatu school, which will cause noise and dust nuisance as well as vibration. We strive to reduce harm to residents and the environment in all our activities. We save natural resources by using the demolished and crushed concrete and brick of the school building later in infrastructure construction.

Niina Rautanen, the director of the wide area, came to the house

Master of Philosophy Niina Rautanen, 34, started at the beginning of August when the director of education and training Ville Härtsiä retired. Before his election, Rautanen worked for a short time as Koskela's executive director and principal, and before that, e.g. as the branch manager of the Wiitaunion's cultural activities shared by the two municipalities. Rautanen is a music pedagogue and musicologist by training. He has solid experience in various administrative jobs and in his university studies he has focused on educational management.

The joint effort of the city of Äänekoski and Kiinteistönhoidin has brought savings of millions

- At the beginning of the current council term, the trustees of Äänekoski made a bold decision when the strategic partnership operating model was implemented in cooperation between the city and Äänekoski Kiinteistönhoito Oy. The goal of the partnership was to save one million euros during the term of the council, but so far, savings of 1,36 million euros and more have already been achieved. The quality of the work has improved, trust has grown and work has become more efficient. And above all, with better cooperation, we provide our residents with a better service, says city manager Matti Tuononen.

There is scope for low emissions, but it requires cooperation

The results of the Resource-wise Äänekoski - Low-emission road transport project, financed by the Ministry of the Environment and the city of Äänekoski, are ready. The goal of the survey is to reduce traffic emissions. Operators in the region have the will to make their business carbon neutral, and more refueling infrastructure is needed. The survey added dialogue between operators in the area, i.e. companies with heavy traffic, as well as low-emission fuel distributors, and explored the city's potential for influence.

The renovation of Äänekoski town hall will start in July

During the summer, the 1st floor of Äänekoski town hall will be renovated to add more office space for the employment services. The Northern Central Finland employment area will start operating on January 1.1.2025, 65. The state's TE offices will cease and 1.1.2025 employees from the state will be transferred to the city of Äänekoski from January XNUMX, XNUMX. Most of the transferred employees will work in Äänekoski, so additional space is needed.

Äänekoski's walking and cycling promotion program is moving forward - Towards more functional routes!

The city of Äänekoski has taken significant steps to promote walking and cycling. The city of Äänekoski has received funding of 18 euros from Traficom for the creation of a program to promote walking and cycling, and the city organized a resident survey in the spring, the answers of which will be used in developing the program. The project is part of the active climate and environmental work of the city of Äänekoski.

Evaluation report: Äänekoski's operations and finances are in good shape

On June 10.6.2024, 2023, the Äänekoski city council approved the audit committee's evaluation report for the year XNUMX. The evaluation report shows that the operation of the city of Äänekoski has gone well, even though the municipalities and nationally have been living in the midst of challenging circumstances. The report highlights the city's successes, but also some areas for development and identified risks. It is particularly positive that the inspection board has also listened to the valuable views of young people on the city's joint decision-making.