TASSU equality prize was granted to Espoonlahden lukio and Mirsal

The winner of the workplace community category, the anti-racist Erasmus project coordinated by Espoonlahden lukio, increases empathy and acceptance among students. Two schools in France are also involved in the project.

“The TASSU competition application was innovative and unique, and the project is well-implemented, concrete and forward-looking. The activities are effective and promote equality and non-discrimination, and young people themselves clearly find them important. The theme of anti-racism was highlighted in many ways and using different methods. This approach could also be used in other schools and contexts,” the Equality Committee states in its decision.

The winner of the external category for associations and other organisations is the ‘Father Is Important’ project launched by Mirsal(external link, opens in a new window) (Arabs for Equality and Integration in Finland), which has recognised the role and responsibility of fathers in cultural change.

“In Finnish society, equality is written into the constitution, which sets us apart from many other countries. Equality is one of the foundations of our society. Mirsal’s project highlights equality and non-discrimination in a concrete manner. The association wants to change the way of thinking within its community and be part of Finnish society. The association also wishes to empower its vulnerable members, such as young and unemployed people, by giving them faith in the future and the importance of their own actions,” the Equality Committee states in its decision.

In addition, the following organisations received honourable mentions:

• Nuumäen päiväkoti: The application shows that the day care centre has paid attention to equality and the promotion of gender-sensitive early childhood education. Awareness has increased, and a foundation has been laid for continuing work for equality and non-discrimination.
• Olarin Voimistelijat: The gymnastics club Olarin Voimistelijat is doing socially influential work that is widely visible in Espoo and helps build the Espoo identity. The club’s activities are based on a long-term approach and a large number of volunteers.

The TASSU competition was now organised for the seventh time. The City of Espoo’s Equality Committee launched the TASSU prize with the aim of highlighting activities that promote equality and non-discrimination in Espoo. The prize is awarded annually. In 2023, we wanted to find big and small everyday acts that promote equality but do not get publicity, such as work with minorities. We received four internal applications and five external applications. The TASSU competition ran from 3 to 30 October 2023. All acts submitted to the competition help develop Espoo into an even better place to live. The Equality Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the competition.

Espoo’s Equality Committee selected the winners at its meeting on 29 November 2023.