After-school activities and the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities
Recreational and leisure time activities for children and young people have been promoted in line with the City’s objectives. Participation in after-school activities for schoolchildren and the Finnish model for leisure activities has increased. The wellbeing of children and young people has also been reinforced through leisure activities. However, not all families are reached, and there are differences between age groups, population groups and neighbourhoods when it comes to hobbies.
The goal of the assessment
The primary question of the assessment was whether recreational and leisure time activities for children and young people have been promoted in line with the City’s objectives. This was examined by assessing whether the conditions for participation in after-school activities and the Finnish model of leisure activities have been promoted and whether the wellbeing of children and young people has been enhanced through leisure activities. After-school activities are organised after the school day for 1st and 2nd graders and 3rd–9th graders who have a decision concerning support for learning. The Finnish model for leisure activities offers children and young people free hobbies in connection with the school day.
Conclusions
Recreational and leisure time activities for children and young people have been promoted in line with the City’s objectives. The vast majority of 1st graders and an increasing number of 2nd graders participate in after-school activities. The number of visits to activities organised in the context of the Finnish model for leisure activities has almost doubled between 2021 and 2025 due to a significant increase in recreation among primary school children. More hobbies are being targeted at schools where pupils have lower levels of engagement and wellbeing. Access to after-school activities and the Finnish model for leisure activities has been developed, but not all families are currently being reached. There are differences between age groups, population groups and neighbourhoods. In addition to this, there have been challenges with the availability and use of suitable hobby facilities. Customer feedback on the Finnish model for leisure activities and after-school activities has remained positive.
Recommendations of the Audit Committee
The Culture and Leisure division and the Education Division must
- continue measures to improve the availability and usability of leisure activity facilities used in the Finnish Model for Leisure Activities.
- strengthen service guidance in cooperation with the various operators in the city to guide children and young people with low levels of activity towards leisure activities and have them commit to the activities.
In cooperation with the City Executive Office, the Culture and Leisure division must
- strengthen the knowledge base for targeting leisure activities, measures and service guidance to reduce the engagement differences among children and young people.
The Education Division must
- continue measures to increase participation in after-school activities in areas where the level of participation is lower.