Tanja-Maria
Nyman

Free early childhood education promotes equality, supports children’s development, and helps parents combine work and family life. It’s an investment in the future – and a way to create more secure conditions for those who want to start a family. Not only can we afford it – we can’t afford not to. This investment reduces long-term social costs and strengthens overall wellbeing.

Traditional textbooks help students concentrate and still play an important role. At the same time, the digital learning environment is a key part of education today – and even more so in the future. We need a balanced approach and a safe digital environment where students don’t have access to social media or other platforms that don’t support learning during the school day.

Sports and physical activity are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing at all ages. Accessible opportunities for exercise help prevent illness, strengthen community bonds, and improve quality of life. The municipality must ensure that there are diverse, safe, and equal opportunities for people to be active – both in organized settings and on their own.

Everyone should have equal opportunities to access and participate in cultural activities – regardless of background, income or where they live. Culture creates connection, strengthens identity, and supports wellbeing. The municipality has a responsibility to make culture accessible to all – not just a select few.

Participatory budgeting is a concrete way to strengthen democracy and give residents a real say in their everyday lives. When people have insight into and influence over how resources are used, trust in decision-making grows. It helps build a more inclusive and responsive municipality – including here in Oulu.

In an era where people frequently move between councils, work remotely, or maintain multiple residences, we need new ways to conceptualise citizenship and participation. Digital municipal membership could empower more individuals in decision-making processes, but it requires clear regulations and fair resource allocation. It\'s an idea worth further exploration.

The municipality should actively promote the expansion of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power. This strengthens our energy production, creates economic opportunities, and contributes to sustainable development.

A mix of housing types – rental apartments, owner-occupied homes, and various sizes – creates vibrant, safe, and socially sustainable neighborhoods. This allows people in different life situations to live in the same area and strengthens the sense of community. Oulu should design neighborhoods that welcome everyone, regardless of background or economic situation.

Anonymous recruitment reduces the risk of unconscious discrimination and helps employers focus on competence. It is a concrete step towards a more fair and inclusive work culture within the municipality – and a good example for other employers.

If I could give one superpower to future leaders, it would be the power to clean up the environment, stop climate change, end wars – and at the same time, help people learn about peace, tolerance, and equal rights. I believe this kind of power could really make a difference. It would help solve some of the biggest problems in the world and guide us toward a better, more peaceful and sustainable future. I see the climate crisis as more than just an environmental issue. Studies show that climate change can make conflicts worse – for example, by causing a lack of food or water, or by increasing tensions between people. That’s why we need to think more broadly. By combining environmental protection with peace education and efforts to promote inclusion, we can create communities that are both ecologically sustainable and socially just.