President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö visited Kemi and Tornio on Wednesday, 6 April 2022. The visit began at Syväkangas School, where President Niinistö became acquainted with the school’s activities.
“It should be quite clear to everyone that you cannot advance yourself by intimidating others. And it can sometimes be appropriate, if you see such bullying, to make the bully think about why on earth would they try to benefit themselves at the expense of others. It’s a pretty big weakness, in fact, to think like that”, said President Niinistö in his greetings in the school yard.
The President stated that a lot of work has clearly been done at the school towards making every pupil feel they can be happy. “We are all concerned about climate change, not to mention the cruel, savage war going on in Europe. All of this can and does weigh on our minds, but alongside that it is worth remembering that together we are strong by supporting each other, taking everyone with us.”
In Jopensali Hall, named after Finnish actor and musician Jope Ruonansuu, President Niinistö discussed the prevention of bullying with pupils and teachers, and the school choir performed Ruonansuu’s music. In addition to coffee, kampanisu biscuits, baked by the pupils themselves, were served. President Niinistö also visited music, Finnish language and mathematics classes.
Cross-border cooperation on display in Tornio
After the school visit, President Niinistö met with representatives of the Town of Kemi at Kemi Snow Castle. Discussions focused on current concerns in the region and tourism-related issues.
In the afternoon, President Niinistö visited the Finnish-Swedish border in Tornio. Discussions with representatives of the City of Tornio and Haparanda Municipality focused on cross-border cooperation.
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President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö visited Syväkangas School in Kemi on Wednesday, 6 April 2022. The President was welcomed by the pupils of Syväkangas School, School Principal Mika Timonen and Piia Hulkkonen, Senior Principal responsible for Town of Kemi School Department. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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In Jopensali Hall, named after Jope Ruonansuu, President Niinistö discussed the prevention of bullying with pupils and teachers, and the school choir performed Ruonansuu’s music. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö visited music, Finnish language and mathematics classes. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic
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Meeting with representatives of the Town of Kemi at Kemi Snow Castle. Discussions focused on current concerns in the region and tourism-related issues. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö toured Kemi Snow Castle, with Susanna Koutonen, CEO of Kemin Matkailu Oy, as his guide. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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President Niinistö toured Kemi Snow Castle, with Susanna Koutonen, CEO of Kemin Matkailu Oy, as his guide. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Cross-border cooperation was the topic when President Niinistö met with representatives of the City of Tornio and Haparanda Municipality in Tornio. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
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Cross-border cooperation was the topic when President Niinistö met with representatives of the City of Tornio and Haparanda Municipality in Tornio. Photo: Jouni Mölsä/Office of the President of the Republic